Germany Rally Past Ivory Coast 2-1 to Secure Progress

Germany came from behind to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 on Saturday in a hard-fought match that secured their place in the next stage of the tournament. Julian Nagelsmann’s team fell behind in the 30th minute after Franck Kessie scored from close range following confusion in the box, and the Germans struggled to create clear chances before halftime.

Ivory Coast started the second half strongly and had several opportunities to extend the lead, but missed them. Germany turned to the bench in the 60th minute, bringing on Deniz Undav in a triple substitution, and that decision changed the match. Eight minutes later, substitute Nadiem Amiri delivered a cross that Undav headed home to level the score.

The game remained tight until stoppage time, when Undav spun inside the area and finished brilliantly in the 94th minute to complete his brace and seal the win. The striker now has three goals and two assists in the tournament from only two appearances, strengthening his case for a starting role and creating selection pressure for Nagelsmann.

Germany’s standout trio of Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz and Kai Havertz were less effective than usual, struggling to create meaningful chances and missing openings when they came. Ivory Coast’s defeat complicates its position in the standings, but the team still remains in good shape and will face weak Curaçao in the final round, where a win would guarantee qualification and a draw could also be enough. If Germany draws Ecuador in its third match, it will finish first in the group.