Online Reporter
AS a nation hoping to progress to the FIFA World Cup knockout phase for the first time in their history, Cote d’Ivoire will now turn their attention to Curacao in their final Group E encounter at the Philadelphia stadium tonight.
Kick-off is at 10pm.
Cote d’Ivoire are on the brink of making it out of Group E as they sit in second-spot on three points, while first-placed Germany have already booked their ticket into the Round of 32.
The Elephants commenced their campaign with a 1-0 win over Ecuador on June 15 as Amad Diallo grabbed a 90th minute winner at the Philadelphia stadium.
However, their momentum was stunted with a 2-1 loss against Germany during match-day two when Deniz Undav scored in the 94th minute to deny them a vital point at Toronto stadium.
Curacao, on the other hand, suffered a heavy 7-1 defeat against Germany at the Houston stadium in their opening tie, while a goalless draw against Ecuador in their subsequent fixture earned them their first-ever point at the World Cup finals.
The Blue Wave, as they’re affectionately known, are hoping to become the lowest-ranked nation (81st) in history to advance to the knockout rounds.
To advance, Curacao will need to secure maximum points against Cote d’Ivoire, along with a Germany victory over Ecuador at the New York New Jersey stadium tonight.
In the wake of their defeat to Germany, Cote d’Ivoire coach Emerse Fae expressed hope that his side will correct their steps heading into the game against Curacao.
“A difference in experience that meant in the chances that we did have at the end of the game, where we needed to find the back of the net, we were hesitant,” Fae said.
“We’re going to use that game as a lesson to try and fine-tune the mistakes, our shortcomings that we still have, and that will help us go as far as possible.”
After opening his World Cup account during match-day one, Manchester United winger Diallo will once again be entrusted to provide the goods in what will be one of his nation’s most important games at the tournament.
With pace and trickery on his side, Diallo could be the key to unlocking Curacao’s defence, should they take a defensive approach once more.
For Curacao, Eloy Room was arguably the Caribbean islanders’ best player in their draw with Ecuador, as he pulled off 15 saves across 90 minutes, the joint-most at a single World Cup match.
The goalkeeper will be under the spotlight once more, given the Ivorian’s fluid attacking department.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
This will be the first meeting between the two nations. – AFP Sport.
