- Curacao are fourth in FIFA World Cup Group E after a 7-goal drubbing by Germany in their opening game.
- Ivory Coast are second in the group with three points after edging Ecuador 1-0 in their first game.
- Ivory Coast have won three of their last four away games, including a 2-1 victory over France.
Elephants have their number
The Caribbean nation of Curacao is under no illusions that they are the overwhelming underdogs against the Ivory Coast on Thursday in Philadelphia and they would gladly take a 2-1 defeat to the African Cup of Nations runners-up in their FIFA World Cup clash.
Dick Advocaat has done an excellent job to instill his pragmatic and flexible 4-3-3 system into the squad in the short time he has been in charge. The team can defend in a compact, well-disciplined block, push the wide midfielders forward on the counter and hunt in packs, but it's not likely to be enough against the talented and deep Ivory Coast side.
In Emerse Faé, the Elephants have had a savvy tactician at the helm since January 2024 who has impressed in his early months in charge, instilling a solid defensive structure, controlled tempo and tactical discipline on the team. The 2023 African Cup of Nations runners-up have won four out of their last five, so the Curacao vs Ivory Coast prediction is that they go into this clash in great shape.
Both teams to score - No is the way to go
Curacao got a confidence-boosting 4-0 home win over Aruba from the warm-up games, but they were then beaten 7-1 away by a classier opponent in Germany just five days ago. The Curacao vs Ivory Coast preview highlights that the game has been taken to another level this summer and Curacao aren't likely to get much more than a consolation goal against a solid and deep Ivory Coast squad.
Wilfried Singo provides a spark of creativity from the wing and has already chipped in with an assist in Group E, but with Amad Diallo leading the line and already on the scoresheet in their opener, the Curacao vs Ivory Coast prediction is that there is enough quality and depth in the Elephants squad to make them feel comfortable about getting another three points.
Curacao's best hope going forward is the directness of Livano Comenencia, who has already scored in Group E, and he may have enough pace and power to keep the defenders busy on the Philadelphia Stadium. However, Ivory Coast will win the game by outplaying Curacao in midfield where they will look to dominate with their 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, which can be very fluid.
The bookmakers have Ivory Coast at 1.14 in this clash, which seems about right, but our main bet is on the 'both teams to score - No' market at 1.48, as we fancy Faé's men to keep it tight for the full 90 minutes. For those looking for expert advice, the Curacao vs Ivory Coast betting tips are to back a disciplined defensive display from the Elephants.
