Ecuador beat already-qualified Germany to progress, Ivorians through

AI Summary

Ecuador defeated Germany 2-1 to advance to the World Cup last 32, while Ivory Coast secured their first knock-out round qualification with a 2-0 win against Curaçao. This marks a historic progression for both teams in the men's World Cup tournament.

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.