Deniz Undav came off the bench to score twice as Germany produced a dramatic comeback victory over Ivory Coast, securing a 2-1 win in Toronto and booking their place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stages for the first time since their triumph in 2014.
Julian Nagelsmann’s side dominated the opening stages and created several early opportunities, with Kai Havertz going close on multiple occasions.
The Arsenal forward headed straight at Yahia Fofana after an excellent save from the Ivory Coast goalkeeper denied him earlier, while Felix Nmecha also came close with a deflected effort.
Germany appeared to have taken the lead when Fofana fumbled a corner into his own net, but the goal was ruled out after Aleksandar Pavlović was judged to have fouled the goalkeeper.
Despite Germany’s dominance, it was Ivory Coast who struck first. Yan Diomande produced an excellent run down the wing before delivering a cross that eventually fell to Franck Kessié, who showed composure to finish past Manuel Neuer.
The goal lifted the Elephants, who grew in confidence and nearly doubled their advantage through Amad Diallo and Ange-Yoan Bonny.
Germany also had another goal ruled out before half-time after Jamal Musiala fouled Odilon Kossounou in the build-up.
Ivory Coast continued to threaten after the restart, with Christ Inao Oulaï and Diomande both going close, while Germany struggled to find the breakthrough.
Havertz missed another opportunity when he headed wide from a corner with Fofana out of position.
The breakthrough finally arrived through two substitutes. Nadiem Amiri delivered a brilliant cross, allowing Undav to keep his composure and volley home the equaliser.
The Stuttgart striker then became Germany’s hero deep into stoppage time, collecting Felix Nmecha’s perfectly weighted pass before calmly finishing beyond Fofana to complete the turnaround.
The result sends Germany into the knockout stages and ends their wait for progression after disappointing group-stage exits in the previous two World Cups.
Ivory Coast, despite a strong performance against one of football’s giants, must now wait until their final group match to determine whether they can achieve a historic first-ever World Cup knockout-stage appearance.
