Germany’s Deniz Undav scored two goals off the bench as Germany pulled off a thrilling comeback to beat Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 in their World Cup Group E match, securing their place in the knockout stage.
Côte d’Ivoire had opened the scoring in the first half when Franck Kessie slotted home a rebound off a shot by Amad Diallo, on a play created when Yan Diomande charged down the left side and sent in a cross.
Julian Nagelsmann’s men enjoyed plenty of support but were a frustrated group at the interval with nothing to show for their eight attempts on goal.
But after the break a more active German side showed up, one that took more risks and were determined to dedicate everything in their effort to win. Undav levelled the score with a controlled, volleyed finish in the 68th minute to lead the charge for Germany.
The Germans kept pushing forward and were rewarded.
Undav struck again in stoppage time when he received a pass on the turn, before swivelling and firing home a ball that Yahia Fofana had no chance at stopping.
Simon Adingra had a late chance for Côte d’Ivoire but he failed to get a shot off in the area before Germany charged back down the field where Fofana blocked a low shot from Nathaniel Brown.
After having two goals disallowed in the first half, Germany did not lose focus and used intricate passing to find their way while the West Africans produced their dynamic brand of attacking football in a wild encounter at Toronto Stadium.
“This is a really important victory,” said versatile striker Undav, who now has nine goals in his last eight matches. “We showed great character today.”
The loss denied, at least for now, Côte d’Ivoire the chance of securing their first trip to the knockout stages. Germany top Group E with six points and are through to the last 32, while Ivory Coast remain on three after two matches.
Germany will close out the group stage against Ecuador on Thursday in New Jersey, while Ivory Coast face Curacao in Philadelphia.
Latest World Cup results
Brazil 3-0 Haiti
Turkey 0-1 Paraguay
Netherlands 5-1 Sweden
Germany 2-1 Cote d’Ivoire.
