Didier Drogba's iconic speech in 2005 inspired a nation, and now Nicolas Pepe has achieved what Drogba never did - World Cup knockout qualification.

What happened?

On Thursday in Philadelphia, Ivory Coast qualified for the knockout rounds of the World Cup, with Nicolas Pepe playing a key role.

Drogba's speech in 2005 had nothing to do with football, but everything to do with uniting a fractured country.

Why it matters for Didier Drogba

Drogba's legacy continues to inspire Ivory Coast football, with Pepe citing Drogba as an influence on his playing style.

In 2006, Drogba led Ivory Coast to the World Cup, but they were eliminated in the group stage.

What comes next?

Ivory Coast will face new challenges in the knockout rounds, but with Pepe leading the team, they have a chance to make history.

Nicolas Pepe was born in Mantes-la-Jolie in 1995, and his parents had already left Ivory Coast for France, looking for a better life.

Pepe became a goalkeeper first, but then switched to winger, inspired by Drogba's goals and celebrations.

Drogba's impact on Ivory Coast football extends beyond his playing career, with a new generation of players inspired by his legacy.

On 18 June, Ivory Coast won a crucial match, with Pepe scoring a goal in the 64th minute.

The team's success is a testament to Drogba's enduring influence on Ivory Coast football.

But Drogba's own World Cup experience was marked by disappointment, with Ivory Coast eliminated in the group stage in 2006, 2010, and 2014.

Now, with Pepe leading the team, Ivory Coast has a chance to make history and advance to the next round.

The current Ivory Coast squad is a mix of experienced players and young talent, with nine players not born in the country.

They know Drogba's speech as history, rather than memory, and are determined to make their own mark on the World Cup.

As Ivory Coast moves forward in the tournament, they will face tough opponents, but with Pepe and the team's determination, they have a chance to succeed.

Drogba's legacy continues to inspire Ivory Coast football, and with Pepe leading the team, they have a bright future ahead.

The World Cup knockout rounds will be a challenge, but Ivory Coast is ready to take on the best teams in the world.

With Pepe's speed and skill, and the team's determination, they have a chance to make history and advance to the next round.

Ivory Coast's success in the World Cup is a result of the team's hard work and dedication, and Drogba's legacy continues to inspire them.

As the tournament continues, Ivory Coast will face new challenges, but with Pepe leading the team, they have a chance to succeed.

The team's spirit and determination are inspired by Drogba's legacy, and they are determined to make their own mark on the World Cup.

Drogba's impact on Ivory Coast football will be remembered for generations to come, and with Pepe leading the team, they have a bright future ahead.