Côte d'Ivoire and Curaçao players pray together after match | OneFootball

Côte d'Ivoire sealed a first ever World Cup knockout place with a 2-0 win over Curaçao, before players from both teams joined in prayer on the pitch.

According to L'Équipe, as the squads saluted their supporters, a circle formed in the centre of the pitch, bringing together Elye Wahi, Jean-Michaël Seri, Odilon Kossounou and Bazoumana Touré among others. Arms linked, heads bowed, they shared a moment of reflection.

It capped a landmark day for the Elephants, who have advanced beyond a World Cup group for the first time. Nicolas Pépé scored both goals as they finished second in Group E.

They may face France in the round of 32.

Curaçao were eliminated from the competition, though they were far from disgraced. They had also prayed with some opponents after their 1-7 defeat to Germany on 14 June.

Source: L'Équipe