AGENCIES

Tiny Curacao had previously given themselves little chance against Ivory Coast at the World Cup, but a draw in their last group game with Ecuador might well have changed their perspective.

The smallest nation to compete at the finals were handed a 7-1 pasting by Germany on their tournament debut but then produced a dogged defensive display to take a point off Ecuador in their second Group E fixture.

Before the tournament, veteran coach Dick Advocaat had sought to dampen expectations on the Caribbean island, and his casting of his squad as outsiders with only slim hopes of creating an upset seemed on the mark after the thrashing from the Germans.

But the goalless draw with Ecuador, who finished second in South American qualifying, offers hope of another potential upset against the Ivorians, who will finish second in the group if they win.

Germany are already assured of top place, and the Ivorians are chasing the runners-up berth, which would put them on course to play either France or Norway in Dallas.

The Ivory Coast are making their fourth World Cup finals appearance but previously have never advanced past the opening group stage.