Germany reached the World Cup knockout phase for the first time since 2014 after substitute Deniz Undav scored twice in a 2-1 comeback win over the Ivory Coast in Toronto.
Undav scored the winner four minutes into injury time in front of a pro-German crowd of 43,000. The result eased pressure on coach Julian Nagelsmann after Germany’s recent group-stage exits.
Ivory Coast went ahead in the 30th minute through Franck Kessié. He finished from close range after strong work by teenager Yan Diomande.
Germany had two first-half efforts ruled out. Referee Juan Gabriel Benitez disallowed Aleksandar Pavlovic’s 21st-minute effort for a foul on goalkeeper Yahia Fofana.
Kai Havertz also put the ball in the net in the 38th minute. The goal was ruled out because of a foul by Jamal Musiala.
Germany increased the pressure after halftime and broke through in the 63rd minute. Undav volleyed in Nadiem Amiri’s cross to level the match.
Germany defender Jonathan Tah told MagentaTV that the team showed “winning mentality” and praised the impact of players coming off the bench. He singled out Undav for an “outstanding” performance.
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Ivory Coast has never advanced past the group stage at a World Cup. They can still qualify if they beat debutants Curacao in their final group-stage match.
