PHILADELPHIA: Tiny Curacao had previously given themselves little chance against the Ivory Coast at the World Cup, but a draw in their last group game with Ecuador might well have changed their perspective.

The smallest nation to compete at the finals were handed a 7-1 pasting by Germany on their tournament debut but then produced a dogged defensive display to take a point off Ecuador in their second Group ‘E’ fixture.

It was a stout defensive performance from Curacao, led by 37-year-old goalkeeper Eloy Room, who plays in the second tier of professional football in the United States, and who made a series of key saves to keep their goal intact.

Room will likely be in the firing line again against an attacking Ivorian team, looking to secure their progress to the last 32.

They beat Ecuador in their opening fixture and were 1-0 up at halftime against Germany in their second group game but let the lead slip and lost.

Germany are already assured of top place, and the Ivorians are chasing the runners-up berth, which would put them on course to play either France or Norway in Dallas next Tuesday.

The Ivorian attack had chances against Germany but, in the end, lacked the necessary experience, coach Emerse Fae said.

He said he was looking forward to the challenge of facing Curacao next to see “what they are made of” and expecting a strong fight.

“Our destiny is still in our hands, or our feet,” Fae added.

The Ivory Coast are making their fourth World Cup finals appearance but previously have never advanced past the opening group stage.

Meanwhile in Group ‘E’, already-qualified Germ­any will look to make it three wins out of three matches on Thursday when they take on Ecuador, aiming to stretch their winning run to 12 consecutive games and keep their World Cup momentum going.

Ecuador, the South American qualifying runners-up, are currently third on the table with one point from their two matches and have everything to play for. A win put them in strong contention to qualify for the knockouts.

The South Americans, who had 28 attempts at goal against Curacao are only ahead of Curacao on goal difference.

The Germans, on six, have already secured top spot in the group whatever the result, and will play their round-of-32 match in Boston. They are still waiting to see which team they will face.

The Germans, however, are unlikely to take their foot off the gas or rest key players ahead of the knockout stages with the team eager to keep up their winning run.

Published in Dawn, June 25th, 2026