Curacao will face Ivory Coast in their final group-stage fixture on Thursday at the Philadelphia Stadium.
Curacao have one point while Ivory Coast have three points making this match a crucial encounter in terms of progressing to the next round for both the teams.
Curacao vs Ivory Coast – Match preview and team news
- Date: Thursday, 25th June.
- Kick-off: 9pm BST.
- Venue: Philadelphia Stadium, Pennsylvania, USA.
Curacao team news
Curacao faces minor selection concerns as they look to build on their historic World Cup momentum under Dick Advocaat.
Veteran striker Jurgen Locadia is carrying a knock and remains a slight doubt for the starting eleven, which could force tactical adjustments upfront or hand an opportunity to Gervane Kastaneer.
Meanwhile, Middlesbrough winger Sontje Hansen is expected to remain on the bench, having struggled to regain his starting spot since being substituted at half-time in the opening match against Germany.
Defensively, Curaçao will heavily rely on their rigid 5-4-1 formation, anchored by veteran goalkeeper Eloy Room.
Room is coming off an extraordinary, historic 15-save performance against Ecuador and remains the undisputed star of the defensive unit. Tahith Chong and Leandro Bacuna will be tasked with controlling the tempo.
Ivory Coast team news
Ivory Coast enters their decisive clash with key changes to their defensive lineup. Right-back Wilfried Singo is ruled out for this fixture after sustaining a hamstring injury during the 2-1 defeat against Germany, paving the way for Guela Doué to earn a start.
In a major squad boost, star center-back Evan N’Dicka has returned to full training after missing the opening matches with a thigh injury. Manager Emerse Faé confirmed his availability, though he may be eased in from the bench.
Up front, forward Elye Wahi is expected to return to the matchday squad after sitting out the last game. He previously started in the 1-0 victory over Ecuador.
Expect attacking continuity as wingers Amad Diallo and Yan Diomandé look to retain their starting roles to spark the Ivorian offense.
Form
Curacao
Curacao has endured a challenging run but recently found defensive resilience. Prior to the World Cup, they struggled through heavy friendly defeats against China, Australia, and Scotland. Their tournament debut was equally difficult, resulting in a stinging 7-1 loss to Germany. Nevertheless, they bounced back historically in their last match, holding a powerful Ecuador side to a 0-0 draw to secure their first-ever World Cup point.
Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast enters the match in strong overall form despite a recent stumble. The Elephants won four consecutive matches heading into the tournament, including impressive friendly victories over South Korea, Scotland, and France. They opened their Group E campaign with a disciplined 1-0 win against Ecuador. However, their winning streak was snapped in their previous fixture, suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat to Germany, leaving them eager to rebound.
Predicted lineups
Curacao: Room; Brenet, Gaari, Obispo, Floranus, Fonville; Chong, Comenencia, L. Bacuna, J. Bacuna; Locadia
Ivory Coast: Y. Fofana; Doue, Kossounou, Agbadou, Konan; Sangare, Kessie, Inao Oulai; Diallo, Bonny, Diomande
How to watch Curacao vs Ivory Coast?
In the United Kingdom, you can watch the Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast match live on BBC Two.
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