Germany booked their place in the World Cup knockout stages on Friday after substitute Deniz Undav struck the net twice, including a 94th-minute winner, to complete a 2-1 comeback against Ivory Coast in Group E.
The four-time champions looked set for a shock defeat at Toronto Stadium after Franck Kessie fired the Elephants ahead in the 30th minute. Ivory Coast’s opener came from sustained pressure, with 19-year-old Yan Diomande beating Joshua Kimmich before his low cross led to Kessie’s finish past Manuel Neuer.
Germany dominated possession but struggled for a breakthrough. Kai Havertz had a header saved by Yahia Fofana, and both Aleksandar Pavlovic and Havertz had goals disallowed for fouls in the build-up.
Head coach Julian Nagelsmann turned to his bench on the hour, sending on Nadiem Amiri, Jamie Leweling and Undav. The move paid off eight minutes later when Amiri crossed for Undav to volley home the equaliser.
Ivory Coast pushed for a winner through Simon Adingra and Nicolas Pépé, while Fofana denied Nathaniel Brown and Amiri with key saves. But in the fourth minute of stoppage time, Felix Nmecha slipped Undav through and the Stuttgart forward rifled low past Fofana to seal it.
“This is a really important victory,” Undav said. “We showed great character today.” The striker now has nine goals in 11 appearances for Germany.
The result sends Germany into the last 32 with a game to spare, joining the USA and Mexico. Ivory Coast, who beat Ecuador in their opener, must now wait until the final round of matches to confirm qualification.
