Ivory Coast worthy of World Cup knockout phase, coach says

Ivory Coast's coach Emerse Fae is confident his team has demonstrated they belong in the World Cup knockout phase. After an opening win against Ecuador and a narrow loss to Germany, Fae stated the team's performance shows their worthiness.

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I think the key is our ability to show the same seriousness, the same mindset, the same intensity that we showed against Ecuador and Germany.

"I think the key is our ability to show the same seriousness, the same mindset, the same intensity that we showed against Ecuador and Germany,” Fae said on the eve of their final Group E match against Curacao. He believes that respecting their opponent and performing well in key areas will give them a chance to advance.

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I think that if we respect our opponent and perform well in these different areas I just mentioned, I think we'll have a chance of qualifying for the round of 32.

The team faces a mental challenge after conceding a late winner to Germany. Fae addressed a crucial missed chance by player Simon Adingra in the 87th minute, stating that while the player missed an opportunity, he does not blame him. "The most important thing for me was that he got back to work. Because he'll score more goals for Ivory Coast," Fae said, emphasizing his continued trust in the player.

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Simon missed an opportunity like any football player. Personally, I don't blame him at all for that. And that's what I told him. That's what I told the group.

Fae also commented on defender Wilfried Singo's injury, noting that post-match examinations were encouraging. He praised Curacao's resilience, highlighting their ability to recover from a significant defeat to draw with Ecuador. Fae anticipates a tough match, recognizing Curacao's aggressive style and individual attacking threats.

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The most important thing for me was that he got back to work. Because he'll score more goals for Ivory Coast.