Ecuador beat already-qualified Germany to progress, Ivorians through

AI Summary

Ecuador secured a 2-1 victory over already-qualified Germany, advancing to the World Cup last 32, while Ivory Coast also qualified for the knockout stage for the first time with a 2-0 win over Curaçao. Nicolas Pépé scored twice for Ivory Coast in their historic World Cup progression.

Ecuador powered into the World Cup last 32 with a deserved 2-1 win over already-qualified Germany on Thursday, as Ivory Coast secured the second automatic qualification berth in Group E. The Ivorians reached the knock-out rounds at a men's World Cup for the first time in four attempts after a double from Nicolas Pépé in a 2-0 victory over debutants Curaçao, who bow out in last place.