The Curaçao national team has qualified for such a tournament for the first time ever. To achieve this, they advanced to the decisive round of qualification and won their group against Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Bermuda, collecting twelve points in six matches. They mainly suffered defeats in friendlies, but before the start of the World Cup, they called Aruba for a sparring match and secured a 4-0 win. However, at the actual tournament, they immediately faced Germany, where they scored a historic, first-ever goal, but lost 1-7. Against Ecuador, thanks to saves from Room, they earned their first draw, of course, a 0-0.
The Ivorians won a tough race against Gabon for first place in their qualification group—26 points to 25. Then, they reached the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals, where they lost 2-3 to Egypt, and won friendlies, including one with France. At the tournament itself, they narrowly beat Ecuador thanks to a lone goal scored at the very end. Against Germany, on the other hand, they led the score. But their opponent had a joker, Undav, whose pair of goals, including one in added time, left the team empty-handed.
Dick Advocaat’s side averages 1.7 goals scored but concedes 1.9. The African football leader scores 1.9 goals on average and concedes just 0.9 per match.
Previous Matches: Curaçao vs Ivory Coast
This is the first time a Caribbean side is playing against the stars from the Black Continent.
It’s unlikely the debutant will be able to create another upset. Our pick: Ivory Coast with a -2 goal handicap (odds – 1.8).
Curaçao vs Ivory Coast: Key Statistics & Trends
Curaçao has lost four out of their last six matches
40% of Curaçao’s matches end with both teams scoring, and the average total goals per match is 3.6
Ivory Coast won five matches in a row before the last round
50% of Ivory Coast’s matches end with both teams scoring, and the average total goals per match is 2.8
Curaçao vs Ivory Coast: Possible Starting Lineups
Curaçao’s likely formation is 1-5-4-1 (probable lineup): Eloy Room – Fonville, Brenet, Floranus, Obispo, Gary – Bacuna, Bacuna, Comenencia, Chong – Locadia
Ivory Coast’s likely formation is 1-4-4-2 (probable lineup): Fofana – Konan, Agbadou, Kossonou, Singo – Sangaré, Diomandé, Oulay, Kessié – Diallo, Bonny.
