Germany overturns Ivory Coast deficit with late Denis Undav brace
Germany defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 after substitute Denis Undav scored twice, including a stoppage-time winner, to secure three points in the World Cup group stage.
Germany came from behind to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in Group E of the World Cup on Saturday in Toronto. Ivory Coast took the lead in the 30th minute when captain Franck Kessié finished from a Yan Diomande pass after Amad Diallo’s early shot was saved by Manuel Neuer. Germany responded after the interval, with substitute Denis Undav finding the net in the 68th minute to level the score.
Undav, who entered the match in the second half, added a second goal in the 94th minute, securing the win for the German side. The late strike gave Germany three points and kept them in contention for the group’s top spot.
Both teams made several tactical changes during the game. Germany introduced Leroy Sane, Jamal Musiala and Aleksandar Pavlović for Sane, Musiala and Pavlović, while Ivory Coast brought on Simon Adingra and Seko Fofana in an effort to increase attacking pressure.
The match featured a physical contest, with several injuries reported, including an ankle issue for defender Nico Schlotterbeck, who was later replaced by Antonio Rüdiger. Despite Ivory Coast’s early dominance and a higher number of shots in the first half, Germany’s increased possession in the latter stages helped them secure the victory.
The result leaves Germany level on points with Ivory Coast, with the group leader to be decided on goal difference and head-to-head records.