Nicolas Pepe scored twice as Ivory Coast defeated Curacao 0-2 on Thursday to finish second in World Cup Group E. The result marked the first time Ivory Coast have advanced from the group stage in four World Cup appearances.
Ivory Coast took the lead before half time when Yan Diomande created an opening for Pepe to finish at the near post. Pepe added a second goal 20 minutes into the second half with a curling shot across goal.
Ivory Coast needed only a draw to advance and controlled the match throughout. Curacao, making their World Cup debut, finished with one point after earlier drawing 0-0 with Ecuador.
Germany topped the group despite a loss to Ecuador. Ivory Coast are projected to face Norway in the round of 32.
