Germany Fight Back from the Brink: Undav's Late Brace Sinks Brave Ivory Coast
Germany Fight Back from the Brink: Undav's Late Brace Sinks Brave Ivory Coast
Having demolished Curaçao 7-1 in their opener, the Germans faced a sterner test against a physical and well-organised Ivory Coast side, who had edged Ecuador 1-0. Franck Kessié gave the Elephants a deserved lead on the half-hour mark, and they looked good value for it at the break.
The West Africans pressed high, won their duels in midfield, and restricted Germany’s usual fluency. Kessié’s goal – a poacher’s finish from close range after a blocked Amad Diallo effort – capped a dominant first-half display that left Julian Nagelsmann’s men with plenty to ponder at half-time.
The second period told a different story. Nagelsmann rolled the dice with bold substitutions, bringing on Nadiem Amiri and Deniz Undav. The changes transformed the contest. Undav equalised in the 68th minute with a composed finish, before producing a moment of magic in the 94th minute – a dramatic winner that sent German fans into raptures and sealed a 2-1 victory.
Germany now sit top of Group E with six points and have booked their place in the Round of 32 with a game to spare. Ivory Coast remain in the fight but must now produce something special against their final opponents.
This was far from Germany’s most polished performance, but the character and quality off the bench – particularly from super-sub Undav – will hearten Nagelsmann. At just 15 minutes on the pitch across the tournament so far, the forward already leads the Golden Boot race. The four-time champions are finding their stride at the perfect time.
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