Germany booked their place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage after coming from behind to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in Toronto. Substitute Deniz Undav scored twice, including a dramatic winner in the 94th minute, to complete the comeback.
The four-time world champions struggled for long periods but found a way back after manager Julian Nagelsmann made key changes in the second half. Germany now sit on top of Group E and have secured qualification for the round of 32.
Ivory Coast Take Control Early
Ivory Coast started the match with energy and confidence. They attacked directly and caused problems for the German defence. Young winger Yan Diomande impressed with his pace and skill on the left side. Amad Diallo, Franck Kessie and Christ Inao Oulai also looked dangerous whenever they moved forward. Despite Ivory Coast's strong start, Germany created some good opportunities.
Germany Have Goal Ruled Out
Germany thought they had opened the scoring in the 22nd minute. Aleksandar Pavlovic headed home from a corner, but the referee disallowed the goal for a foul on goalkeeper Yahia Fofana. The decision frustrated Germany and gave Ivory Coast a boost.
Kessie Puts Ivory Coast Ahead
Ivory Coast took the lead in the 30th minute. Diomande produced an excellent run and found Amad Diallo inside the box. Nathaniel Brown blocked Diallo's effort, but the rebound fell to captain Franck Kessie.
Kessie reacted quickly and fired the ball into the net to make it 1-0. The African side continued to attack with confidence and looked capable of extending their lead.
Germany Miss More Chances
Germany's frustration continued before halftime. Kai Havertz found the net, but the referee ruled out the goal after Jamal Musiala committed a foul during the build-up.
Ivory Coast also missed chances to strengthen their advantage. Both Kessie and Oulai failed to convert promising opportunities. Those missed chances later proved costly.
Nagelsmann Changes the Game
Germany trailed 1-0 after an hour, and Nagelsmann decided to act. He introduced Jamie Leweling, Nadiem Amiri and Deniz Undav in the 60th minute.
The substitutions changed the momentum immediately. Just eight minutes later, Amiri delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area. Undav met it with a clever finish and brought Germany level at 1-1.
Undav Strikes Again
Germany pushed hard for a winner in the closing stages. Goalkeeper Yahia Fofana kept Ivory Coast in the game with important saves against Nathaniel Brown and Nadiem Amiri.
However, Germany finally found the breakthrough deep into stoppage time. In the 94th minute, Felix Nmecha played a pass into the box. Undav controlled the ball brilliantly, turned quickly and slotted his shot past Fofana. The goal sparked huge celebrations among the German players and supporters.
Super Sub Delivers Again
Undav continued his impressive World Cup campaign.
He scored once and provided two assists after coming off the bench in Germany's 7-1 win over Curacao. Against Ivory Coast, he again changed the match after entering as a substitute.
His two goals took his international tally to nine goals in just 11 appearances for Germany.
The performance strengthened his case for a place in the starting lineup.
Germany Through, Ivory Coast Still Alive
Germany secured qualification for the knockout stage and continued their strong start to the tournament.
The victory also helped them move further away from the disappointment of their group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022.
Ivory Coast suffered a heartbreaking defeat but can still qualify. The team showed quality throughout the match and remains in a strong position to reach the next round.
A win against Curacao could send them into the knockout stage and achieve what past stars such as Didier Drogba, Yaya Touré, Kolo Touré and Salomon Kalou could not.
What's Next?
Germany will finish their group-stage campaign against Ecuador. Meanwhile, Ivory Coast will face Curacao in a crucial match that could decide qualification from Group E.