By Dwayne Ferreira.
Deniz Undav scores twice from the bench as Germany overturn Ivory Coast’s lead to win 2-1 and secure a long-awaited World Cup knockout return.
Deniz Undav scored twice from the bench as Germany overturned a halftime deficit to defeat Ivory Coast 2-1 in Toronto and secure their first World Cup knockout appearance since winning the tournament in 2014.
Julian Nagelsmann’s team entered the Group E encounter after opening with a spectacular 7-1 victory over Curaçao. Ivory Coast had also started positively, defeating Ecuador 1-0.
Germany dominated significant periods of the first half but struggled to turn possession into a legal goal. Two efforts were disallowed, adding to the frustration as Ivory Coast defended with strength and threatened through their pace.
Franck Kessié punished Germany in the 30th minute. The midfielder reacted to a rebound and finished to give the African side a lead that reflected the danger they carried on the counterattack.
Yan Diomande caused Germany repeated problems, particularly on the flank, while Kai Havertz found it difficult to impose himself against Ivory Coast’s central defenders.
Nagelsmann acted decisively around the hour mark, introducing Undav, Jamie Leweling and Nadiem Amiri. The triple change immediately increased Germany’s intensity and sharpened their movement around the penalty area.
Undav equalised in the 68th minute. Amiri helped create the opening before the substitute produced a composed volley, transforming the atmosphere and placing Ivory Coast under sustained pressure.
Germany pushed for the winning goal as Ivory Coast attempted to protect what would still have been a valuable point. Felix Nmecha drove the midfield forward and became increasingly influential.
The decisive breakthrough arrived in stoppage time. Nmecha supplied the opportunity and Undav used his strength to protect the ball before finishing from a difficult angle.
The striker’s second goal completed a dramatic turnaround and strengthened his argument for a starting position. His tournament contribution has been extraordinary despite limited minutes on the field.
Germany’s victory moved them to six points, while Curaçao’s later draw against Ecuador confirmed Nagelsmann’s side as Group E winners. The result ended a painful run of consecutive group-stage eliminations in 2018 and 2022.
Ivory Coast remain on three points and will face Curaçao in their final group fixture. Victory would place them in a strong position to advance, although the late defeat in Toronto removed an opportunity to qualify early.
Germany complete the group against Ecuador on June 25. With first place secured, Nagelsmann can rotate his team, but Undav’s decisive performance has created one of the most important selection questions of Germany’s campaign.
MATCH SUMMARY
Germany – 2
Deniz Undav 68’, 90+’
Ivory Coast – 1
Franck Kessié 30’
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Group E
Venue: Toronto Stadium
Result: Germany won 2-1
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