Curaçao: spirit on display, but only victory keeps the dream alive

Curaçao’s first-ever World Cup campaign began in brutal fashion with a 7-1 defeat to Germany, a result that appeared to leave them with almost no room for recovery. However, Dick Advocaat’s side responded brilliantly in the second round, grinding out a goalless draw against Ecuador to claim the nation’s first point in World Cup history.

Even so, the road to the knockout stage remains extremely narrow. Sitting on just one point with a goal difference of -6, Curaçao have no real margin for error heading into the final group match. Only a win will keep their hopes alive, and even that may not be enough without help from the result in the other group fixture. Once again, much will depend on goalkeeper Eloy Room, who produced a heroic display against Ecuador with 15 saves — the most ever recorded in a World Cup match in regular time since such statistics began being tracked.

Ivory Coast: still in control despite late heartbreak against Germany

Ivory Coast came within touching distance of sealing qualification in the second round, only to suffer a dramatic late setback. Emerse Faé’s side led Germany for long stretches before conceding in the 94th minute and slipping to a painful 2-1 defeat. While the ending was cruel, the Elephants remain in a strong position heading into the final round.

Currently second in the group with three points, Ivory Coast know that victory over Curaçao will guarantee their place in the knockout stage regardless of what happens elsewhere. The backbone of the side remains intact, although Wilfried Singo’s injury is a concern. Franck Kessié continues to be the heartbeat of the midfield after scoring against Germany, while Amad Diallo remains one of the main attacking threats following his winning goal against Ecuador.

Probable lineups

Curaçao: Room; Obispo, Floranus, Gaari, Fonville, Brenet; Bacuna, Bacuna, Komemencia; Chong, Locadia.

Ivory Coast: Fofana; Kossounou, Agbadou, Doué, Konan; Sangaré, Kessié, Diallo; Inao Ulahi, Diomandé, Bonny.

Match facts and key trends

In four of the last six matches involving either side, the first half has produced no more than one goal.

Ivory Coast’s last five matches have all finished with three goals or fewer.

Eleven of the 15 goals Curaçao have conceded in their last matches have come after halftime.

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