Best Bet for Curacao vs. Ivory Coast
Best Bet: Ivory Coast -2.5 (+125): It’s been a great run for Curacao, but there’s too much at stake for the Ivory Coast, and too much attacking talent to be denied. The Ivorian attack will run riot here to punch their ticket to the Round of 32.
Curacao vs. Ivory Coast Picks, Prediction
We get one last match to decide second place in Group E. After a tough loss to Germany, the Ivory Coast needs a win or a draw to secure the second automatic spot in the Round of 32. Curacao’s gritty draw against Ecuador keeps them in the running, and an upset win here puts them through against all odds. This one is going to be electric.
Curacao (0-1-1, -6 Goal Differential)
Already, this debut World Cup campaign must be considered a success for Curacao. The smallest nation ever to qualify for the Cup, they scored their first-ever goal in their opening match against Germany and picked up their first-ever point against Ecuador in their second game. Maybe they’ll keep ramping it up on Thursday, as if they secure their first-ever World Cup win, they’d also advance to the knockout stages.
The plaudits for their draw against Ecuador have to go to goalkeeper Eloy Room. The 37-year-old Miami FC keeper saved all 15 shots on goal, nearly tying NSMNT legend Tim Howard for the all-time World Cup record. He left the favored Ecuadorian team frustrated all night with a series of acrobatic, scrappy saves. That point kept them alive in the tournament, and with a clear goal for Thursday: win or go home.
Curacao’s defense has shown it can hold up, but this Ivorian attack is far superior to Ecuador’s. I expect manager Dick Advocaat to utilize his 5-4-1 formation once again, sitting deep and banking on the counterattack. Tahith Chong has to be the danger man on the wing, but Juninho Bacuna has shown some quality, and the wing-backs have activated well to press numbers for the counterattack. Sitting deep worked well to get a point against a feeble Ecuadorian attack, but in order to pull the upset, much more is needed from their forwards.
Ivory Coast (1-0-1, +0 Goal Differential)
One more result. One more point, and the Ivory Coast will qualify for the knockout stages for the first time in the country’s history. And their opponent is the worst team in the group. Easy, right?
The tricky part about this game is that the Ivorians have everything to gain and everything to lose. If Curacao loses, nobody will bat an eye since they are playing with house money. However, losing to this Curacao team would be a devastating blow for the Ivory Coast. It would only add to the heartbreak of winning on match day one and missing out on qualification entirely.
It’s difficult not to be impressed by the Ivory Coast so far. They patiently broke down a strong Ecuadorian defense on match day one, netting a 90th-minute winner, and led through the first half against Germany before the overwhelming German attack broke them down. One win in two tries leaves them in a great position, however, and the entire squad deserves credit.
Yahia Fofana has been a great backstop to a strong defensive line, led by Emmanuel Agbadou. Franck Kessié is no stranger to big pressure in big tournaments and has been an excellent presence in their midfield. And though Amad Diallo has picked up the goal, Yan Diomande has been the star man up top. The 19-year-old winger has created seven chances through two games, leading the team. His take-on ability, speed, and passing touch have been outstanding through two games, and the goal contributions are coming. No wonder top European sides are falling over themselves to get him.
But sooner or later, the attacking talent has to turn into results for the Ivory Coast. Two goals through two games isn’t exactly what they hoped for, and a lack of production from the striker spot has played a role. Nicolas Pépé, Elye Wahi, and Ange-Yoan Bonny have all started in a forward spot in this World Cup and have been held off the scoresheet. Perhaps it’s time to give Evann Guessand a start?
Prediction: It’s time for the Ivorian attack to produce some big-time results. Diomande cannot be this elite much longer without creating some goals. Even if Curacao puts up a stout front at the beginning of the game, the sheer talent in possession will wear them down, and they have the subs to keep the good times rolling long after the result is in hand.
Additional World Cup Coverage
Check out the World Cup landing page at DraftKings Network for more World Cup content!
