World Cup: Yan Diomande’s Côte d'Ivoire aim Round of 32 as they face Curaçao | OneFootball

RB Leipzig's sensation Yan Diomande starts once again for Côte d'Ivoire as they hope to qualify for the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time. A draw against debutants Curaçao would be enough to see the Elephants finishing second in Group E.

The sought-after star was selected as the “Man of the Match” in their late win over Ecuador before producing another solid performance against Germany. However, they were on the wrong end of a late goal on Saturday as Julian Nagelsmann’s side already guaranteed top spot.

Curaçao recovered from suffering a 7-1 defeat on their debut at the hands of the four-time champions with a goalless draw against Ecuador. The smallest country ever to qualify for the competition will most likely join the Round of 32 if they grab their first-ever win.

Dick Advocaat named four ex-Bundesliga players in his squad for the tournament. Jürgen Locadia, Joshua Brenet, and Tahith Chong are all in the starting lineup, while Riechedly Bazoer will start on the bench. Fellow substitute Gervane Kastaneer played for Kaiserslautern in 2. Bundesliga nine years ago.

Hoffenheim’s Bazoumana Touré and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Elye Wahi are among Côte d'Ivoire’s substitutes, alongside ex-Bundesliga defender Evan Ndicka. Odilon Kossounou, who was part of Bayer Leverkusen’s historic squad before joining Atalanta, starts for Emerse Faé’s side.

Confirmed Côte d'Ivoire vs. Curaçao Lineups

Côte d'Ivoire: Fofana; Operi, O. Diomande, Kossounou, Doué; Kessié ©, Sangaré; Yan Diomande, Pépé, Diallo; Bonny

Curaçao: Room; Brenet, Gaari, Floranus, Obispo, Fonville; Chong, Comenencia, L. Bacuna, J. Bacuna ©; Locadia