Deniz Undav scored twice, including a stoppage-time winner, as Germany defeated Côte d'Ivoire 2-1 on Saturday to secure a place in the World Cup knockout stages for the first time since 2014. The four-time world champions, who had not advanced past the group stage since winning the tournament in Brazil, now sit on six points after two matches.
Match Overview
Côte d'Ivoire took the lead in the 30th minute through Franck Kessié, who swept home the rebound after Amad Diallo's shot was blocked. Germany had dominated early possession but struggled to break down a compact Ivorian defence. A drinks break in the first half shifted momentum, and the Ivorians capitalised when Yan Diomande set up Diallo before Kessié finished.
Germany equalised in the 68th minute when substitute Nadiem Amiri found Deniz Undav in the box, who volleyed home from close range. The goal came after a triple substitution by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, which injected more energy into the side. “The boys invested a lot,” Nagelsmann said. “I’m very happy for the whole team because every player who came into the match was important.”
Dramatic Finish
As the match entered stoppage time, Undav struck again. In the 94th minute, he was fed by Felix Nmecha, spun, and fired home the winner to spark wild celebrations among the German fans. Côte d'Ivoire had chances to win it themselves, but Simon Adingra dawdled on a late breakaway, and Yahia Fofana made saves to deny Nathaniel Brown and Amiri at the other end.
“There’s some frustration after this defeat,” said Côte d'Ivoire manager Emerse Faé. “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.”
Context and Implications
Germany entered the tournament with concerns over their striker position, the form of Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz, injuries to Serge Gnabry and Lennart Karl, and the return of 40-year-old goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. However, the victory over Côte d'Ivoire, following a 7-1 thrashing of Curaçao, has silenced some critics. “We deservedly won it,” Nagelsmann added.
Côte d'Ivoire, the youngest team in the tournament, face Curaçao on Thursday with a chance to advance past the group stage for the first time in their history. Germany, meanwhile, have reached the knockout rounds for the first time since 2014, a welcome return to form for a nation that had been eliminated in the group stage in 2018 and 2022.
