Germany Secure Knockout Berth with 2-1 Win Over Ivory Coast

Deniz Undav came off the bench and scored twice as Germany beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in Toronto. The win also secured Germany a place in the World Cup knockout stage for the first time since they won the tournament in 2014.

Germany nearly took the lead within seconds of kickoff when Kai Havertz volleyed over from a good position. The Arsenal forward also went close again, but his header was well saved by Yahia Fofana.

Germany had opened the scoring in nine of their previous 10 matches, but this time it was Ivory Coast who struck first despite Germany controlling much of the play.

Yan Diomande, the highly rated RB Leipzig attacker, made a strong run down the wing before sending a cross into the box. Amad Diallo could not get a clean shot away as Nathaniel Brown blocked his effort, but the loose ball fell to Franck Kessié, who calmly slotted it into the net.

Germany immediately tried to score an equalizer, but their goal was ruled out before half-time when Jamal Musiala was judged to have fouled Odilon Kossounou in the build-up before Havertz found the net. As a result, Germany went into the break trailing 0-1.

After the restart, Ivory Coast looked more dangerous and seemed closer to scoring again. Christ Inao Oulai fired over the bar after a pass from Amad, while Diomande sent a volley wide from the edge of the box.

Germany then wasted a huge chance to level the score just after the hour mark. Havertz was left with an open header from a corner after Fofana missed the ball, but he directed his effort wide.

The equaliser finally arrived through two substitutes. Nadiem Amiri delivered an excellent cross into the box, and Undav kept his volley down and found the net.

The VfB Stuttgart forward then turned out to be Germany’s match-winner in stoppage time. He collected a precise pass from Nmecha and calmly slotted the ball past Fofana to seal a thrilling 2-1 victory.

Germany have now secured their place in the knockout stage, ending the disappointment of their last two World Cup campaigns. For Ivory Coast, qualification is still up in the air, and their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds for the first time will depend on the result of their final group match.