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Ivory Coast eliminates Curaçao; Ecuador upsets Germany

Group E would see Ivory Coast take on Curaçao and Ecuador face off against Germany for its final group stage matches.

Ivory Coast would handle Curaçao with relative ease, with one World Cup debutant eliminating another.

The Ivorians wasted no time jumping ahead early with a Nicolas Pépé goal in the 7th minute.

And Pépé would make sure to secure Ivory Coast’s first appearance in the knockout stages with another in the 64th minute, securing their 2-0 win over Curaçao.

Ecuador was searching for a win against a German side who knew they most likely had the top spot secured on goal differential.

However, Germany looked to break Ecuadorian hearts with an early goal by Leroy Sané in the second minute.

But Ecuador would equalize just seven minutes later in the ninth minute.

And late in the second half Gonzalo Plata would find the go-ahead goal in the 77th to secure Ecuador’s 2-1 win over Germany.

With their wins, both Ivory Coast and Ecuador have secured their ticket to the round of 32.

Ivory Coast will either match up against Group I winner France or Norway on Thursday.

As for Ecuador, their next opponent will most likely be Mexico, also on Thursday.

Follow Adrian Murillo Silva on Instagram @adrianms_official

This article first appeared on Ball Exclusives and was syndicated with permission.

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