Cote d'Ivoire are through, and Nicolas Pepe made sure of it. Curacao fought hard again, but a 2-0 defeat ended their brilliant debut World Cup campaign.
Pepe scored twice, Cote d'Ivoire kept the clean sheet, and Curacao could not find one more big Eloy Room miracle. For fantasy, the Elephants now become a live but risky R32 route.
Here are the Demon Notes from Curacao 0-2 Cote d'Ivoire: Pepe haul, Curacao exit with pride, and why Norway makes the next round awkward.
Curacao 0-2 Cote d'Ivoire
- Goals: Nicolas Pepe x2
- Key story: Cote d'Ivoire qualified for the round of 32
- Curacao story: Curacao are eliminated, but their point and Eloy Room heroics made the tournament better
- Current projected R32 route: Cote d'Ivoire v Norway (provisional)
- Demon route model: Cote d'Ivoire 36% advance, 36% Shield; Norway 64% advance, 46% Shield
Team Stats
Player Stats
| Player | Pos | Price | Output | Match stats | Fantasy verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nicolas Pepe | FWD | 5.9m | 2 goals | Match-winner and now a genuine R32 punt | Buy only if chasing upside |
| Yahia Fofana | GK | 4.5m | Clean sheet | Curacao created only 0.19 xG | Norway route makes Shield risky |
| Evan Ndicka | DEF | 4.8m | Clean sheet | Part of the shutout | Not a core pick v Norway |
| Amad Diallo | MID | 6.7m | Threat | Part of the attacking rotation | Minutes check needed |
| Eloy Room | GK | 4.0m | Saves | Could not repeat the Ecuador miracle | Tournament over |
| Tahith Chong | MID | 5.0m | Threat | Curacao's liveliest moments came through him | Tournament over |
Qualification And Round Of 32 Angle
Cote d'Ivoire are through and the current provisional R32 route is Norway. Demon has them at 36% to advance and 36% Clean Sheet Shield, which is not enough for a chip core.
Pepe is the one fantasy name who can still make sense because goals change everything. But a defensive block against Haaland and Norway is not where I want to put Shield points.
Verdict: Pepe punt, avoid the defensive stack. Curacao are out, but they leave with respect.