Ivory Coast edges Ecuador 1-0 in World Cup opener as Liverpool target Yan Diomande dazzles
Substitute Amad Diallo scored a 90th-minute winner as Ivory Coast began their World Cup campaign with a 1-0 victory over Ecuador in Philadelphia. Yan Diomande, the 19-year-old RB Leipzig winger wanted by Liverpool, was the standout performer.
The match
A late goal from Amad Diallo gave Ivory Coast a narrow win over Ecuador in their World Cup Group E opener at Lincoln Financial Field. Ecuador hit the crossbar twice in the first half, through John Yeboah and Alan Minda, and Ivory Coast's Elye Wahi also struck the bar early in the second period. The deadlock was broken in the 90th minute when Diallo, introduced from the bench, found the net to secure three points.
Diomande's dominance
Yan Diomande, the 19-year-old RB Leipzig winger, delivered a performance that underlined why several of Europe's top clubs are pursuing him. He repeatedly beat Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie in one‑on‑one duels and was the focal point of Ivory Coast's attacks. In the 58th minute, he dribbled past three Ecuador players before unleashing a shot that the goalkeeper tipped over.
Transfer market stakes
The Athletic reported earlier this month that Liverpool had made contact with RB Leipzig over a potential transfer for Diomande, with the German club quoting a price in excess of €130 million (£112.4 million, $151.2 million). Manchester City and other leading sides are also monitoring the teenager, who was playing for a Florida academy 18 months ago.
Ecuador's promise fades
Ecuador, ranked 25th in the world and tipped as possible dark horses, generated clear openings in the first half but were unable to convert. Their two efforts against the woodwork proved costly, and they rarely threatened after the interval.
Group E picture
The result leaves Ivory Coast second in Group E behind Germany, who opened with a 7-1 win over Curaçao. Ivory Coast's next match will be against Curaçao, while Ecuador face a tough test against the group favourites.
