TORONTO -UNS : Germany secured their place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stages after a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory against Ivory Coast, thanks to a stoppage-time winner from substitute Deniz Undav.
The four-time world champions found themselves trailing after Ivory Coast captain Franck Kessie scored in the 30th minute. Despite creating several chances, Germany struggled to break down a determined Ivorian defense for much of the match.
Head coach Julian Nagelsmann turned to his bench in search of inspiration, and substitute Deniz Undav delivered. The Stuttgart forward equalized in the 68th minute, finishing neatly from a cross by fellow substitute Nadiem Amiri.
With the match heading toward a draw, Undav struck again in the fourth minute of added time, completing Germany’s comeback and sealing qualification to the knockout rounds.
The striker continued his impressive tournament form after previously scoring once and providing two assists as a substitute in Germany’s 7-1 opening victory over Curacao.
Ivory Coast started brightly and took the lead when teenage winger Yan Diomande set up Amad Diallo. Although Diallo’s effort was blocked by Nathaniel Brown, Kessie reacted quickest to convert the rebound.
Germany had earlier seen Aleksandar Pavlovic’s header ruled out for a foul on goalkeeper Yahia Fofana. Later, Kai Havertz also had a goal disallowed after Jamal Musiala was judged to have fouled Emmanuel Agbadou in the build-up.
The Ivorians missed opportunities to extend their advantage, with Christ Inao Oulai and Kessie both failing to capitalize on promising chances. Those missed opportunities proved costly as Germany mounted a late comeback.
Despite the defeat, Ivory Coast remain in contention for a place in the knockout stage and can still advance from Group E with a victory over World Cup newcomers Curacao in their final group match.
