Nicolas Pepe scored twice as Ivory Coast reached the World Cup knockout stages for the first time thanks to a 2-0 victory which eliminated tournament debutants Curacao. Arsenal’s one-time €83.5m record signing gave his country a seventh-minute lead in Philadelphia, slotting in from close range following Yan Diomande’s cut back from the left before adding a second in the 65th minute.
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A late goal from Caleb Yirenkyi gave Ghana a 1-0 win over Panama as they joined England at the top of Group L. Yirenkyi steered in Brandon Thomas-Asante’s cross in stoppage time to settle a match of few clear chances. Cecilio Waterman forced a good save from Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi in the second minute as he latched on to a cross from the right, but it was a rare opening in a cagey first half in the Toronto rain.
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Jan Kliment fired Czechia to within 90 minutes of the World Cup finals as they broke Republic of Ireland hearts in a dramatic penalty shootout to set up a showdown with Denmark. Ireland saw a 2-0 lead evaporate in Prague and again lead in the shootout but missed kicks from Finn Azaz and Alan Browne mean the long wait for an Irish return to the World Cup finals will continue.
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A first half brace from Troy Parrott powered Ireland to a vital victory over Portugal to keep their dreams of World Cup qualification alive. Cristiano Ronaldo received his first red card at international level for a petulant elbow on Dara O’Shea in the second half as Ireland defended heroically to secure the three points. Portugal knew a win would secure their place at the finals but they must now seal their place on Sunday against Armenia.
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Manchester City’s Champions League campaign opened in frustrating fashion as they were held to a draw by impressive Inter Milan at Etihad Stadium. Pep Guardiola’s side were never at their most fluent, not helped by an injury to Kevin de Bruyne that forced him off at half-time, but their Italian opponents were well worth their draw.
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