Group stage · Group E · #56
Curaçao v Ivory Coast
Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The goals, minute by minute
- 7'Nicolas PépéGoal · 0-1
- 64'Nicolas PépéGoal · 0-2
The preview
Written before the match. We've left it as it was, even where the game said otherwise.
Context
Curaçao (82nd FIFA, debutant) vs Ivory Coast (33rd FIFA).
Level of the teams
- Curaçao: the least populous nation to reach a World Cup, physical and eager, but well below in pedigree.
- Ivory Coast: African champion, physical and fast, in great form. Africa's usual power and a contender to advance.
Key factors
- Huge gap in level and squad in Ivory Coast's favor.
- Ivory Coast wants a win to secure qualification.
- Curaçao will bet on defending and limiting the damage.
Prediction
Most likely result: 3-0 Ivory Coast (alternative: 2-0 Ivory Coast)
- Curaçao win: 7%
- Draw: 15%
- Ivory Coast win: 78%
Player to watch: Simon Adingra, Ivory Coast's wide threat.
Final verdict, Confidence: high
Ivory Coast is far superior and should win comfortably. Barring a historic upset, it will control the game against a limited Curaçao.