Deniz Undav's double earned Germany a dramatic late victory against Côte d'Ivoire, securing their place in the World Cup knockout stages for the first time in 12 years. The four-time world champions triumphed 2-1 on Saturday, with Undav scoring a 68th-minute equaliser and a 94th-minute winner.
Match Overview
Côte d'Ivoire took the lead in the 30th minute through Franck Kessié, who swept home the rebound after Amad Diallo's effort was blocked. Germany had dominated early possession, with Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala both missing chances, but fell behind against the run of play. The equaliser came when substitute Nadiem Amiri found Undav in the box, who volleyed home from close range. In stoppage time, Undav spun and fired home the winner after being fed by Nmecha.
Manager Reactions
Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann praised his team's investment: "We deservedly won it. The boys invested a lot." He highlighted the impact of his triple substitution at the hour mark: "I'm very happy for the whole team because every player who came into the match was important. During the second half we were a lot more active and took more risks because we really wanted to win."
Côte d'Ivoire coach Emerse Faé expressed pride despite the defeat: "There's some frustration after this defeat. But with the frustration, there is also a lot of pride in my players and how we played against one of the big favourites for this tournament. I think this defeat will serve us well for the rest of this tournament."
Group Stage Implications
The victory put Germany on six points, while Côte d'Ivoire remained on three. Germany had previously thrashed Curaçao 7-1, while Côte d'Ivoire lost their opener. The expanded 48-team tournament allowed 32 teams to advance, but Germany had faced concerns over their form, including an absent striker, injuries to Serge Gnabry and Lennart Karl, and a 40-year-old Manuel Neuer coaxed back from retirement. Nagelsmann, who has faced criticism as Germany and Bayern Munich manager, found solutions through substitutions.
Côte d'Ivoire face Curaçao on Thursday with a chance to advance past the group stage for the first time in their history. Germany, meanwhile, pride themselves on being a "Turniermannschaft" — a team that specialises in tournament football — and have reached the knockout stage for the first time since winning the World Cup in 2014.
Key Moments
The match featured several pivotal incidents. In the 39th minute, a German goal by Havertz was disallowed after Musiala was adjudged to have fouled Odilon Kossounou. Late in the game, Côte d'Ivoire nearly snatched a winner on the break, but Simon Adingra dawdled on the ball. At the other end, Brown and Amiri were denied by Fofana before Undav's winner.
The victory ended Germany's streak of group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022, and marked their first knockout-stage appearance since winning the 2014 World Cup. The youngest team at the tournament gave Germany a tough test, but Nagelsmann's changes proved decisive.
