SOCCER: Ivory Coast advance as Pepe scores twice to send tiny Curacao home

Ivory Coast advanced to the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time after defeating Curacao 2-0 in their Group E match on Thursday in Philadelphia.

Striker Nicolas Pepe scored both goals for the Ivorians, finding the net in the seventh and 64th minutes to secure the victory. The result ensured Ivory Coast finished second in Group E with six points, behind group winners Germany.

The win also marked a historic milestone for Ivory Coast, which reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in four tournament appearances.

Curacao, making its World Cup debut, finished at the bottom of the group and was eliminated from the competition.

Ivory Coast will face the runners-up of Group I in the Round of 32 on Tuesday in Dallas. Their opponent will be determined following the conclusion of the remaining Group I matches later on Thursday. -Writing by Mark Gleeson in Atlanta; Editing by Ed Osmond/Reuters