Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Germany secured their place in the World Cup last 32 after substitute Deniz Undav scored twice in a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast. The striker emerged as the hero with a stoppage-time winner that completed a remarkable comeback in Toronto.
Julian Nagelsmann’s side entered the match full of confidence after a dominant six-goal victory over Curacao in their tournament opener. However, they encountered a far sterner challenge against an Ivory Coast team that looked organized, dangerous, and capable of causing a major upset.
Germany started aggressively and nearly opened the scoring moments after kickoff when Kai Havertz sent an effort over the crossbar. The attacking pressure continued as Havertz tested goalkeeper Yahia Fofana, who produced an important save to keep the scores level.
The Germans maintained control of possession throughout the opening stages and created several promising opportunities. Jamal Musiala threatened from midfield while Aleksandar Pavlovic thought he had found the net, only for the goal to be ruled out following a foul on Fofana.
Ivory Coast gradually grew into the contest after surviving Germany’s early attacks. Their increasing confidence paid off in the 30th minute when Franck Kessié capitalized on a dangerous move to put his side ahead.
Yan Diomande sparked the attack with a powerful run down the left flank before delivering a dangerous cross into the penalty area. Although Amad Diallo failed to finish the initial chance, Kessié reacted quickest to score and silence the German supporters.
Germany attempted an immediate response and briefly believed they had equalized through Havertz. The goal was ultimately disallowed, leaving Nagelsmann’s team facing a difficult task heading into the second half.
Ivory Coast continued to threaten after the restart and looked capable of extending their lead. Christ Inao Oulaï and Diomande both created dangerous moments as Germany struggled to regain momentum.
Recognizing the need for change, Nagelsmann introduced Nadiem Amiri, Jamie Leweling, and Deniz Undav just after the hour mark. The tactical adjustment transformed Germany’s attacking threat and shifted the momentum of the match.
The equalizer arrived in the 68th minute when Amiri delivered a superb curling cross from the right side. Undav met the pass with a composed volley that left Fofana with no chance and brought Germany level.
Tensions increased during the closing stages as both teams searched desperately for a winning goal. Ivory Coast suffered a setback when Wilfried Singo’s injury sparked frustration and heated reactions on the touchline.
The match opened up dramatically in the final minutes with chances appearing at both ends of the field. Simon Adingra missed a promising opportunity before Fofana produced crucial saves to deny Nathaniel Brown and Amiri.
Just as the game appeared destined for a draw, Germany delivered one final attacking move deep into stoppage time. Felix Nmecha provided the decisive pass and Undav controlled brilliantly before firing home the winner.
The dramatic victory sends Germany into the World Cup knockout stage with maximum points from their opening two matches. Undav’s impact from the bench highlighted the squad depth available to Nagelsmann as his team continues its pursuit of global success.
For Ivory Coast, the defeat was a heartbreaking outcome after a disciplined and courageous performance against one of the tournament favorites. Despite the loss, their display showed enough quality to suggest they remain capable of progressing in the competition.
