Germany 2-1 Ivory Coast: Julian Nagelsmann’s side booked a place in the last 32 of the World Cup with a dramatic win over their African opponents in Toronto
Germany hit back with a goal from Dennis Unduff (Image: Getty Images)
Germany’s substitute Dennis Unduff dramatically scored the three points and secured a spot in the World Cup’s last 32.
Franck Kessie put the African team ahead midway through the first half when he converted Yann Diomande’s cross into the net.
Kai Havertz put the ball in the back of the net just before half-time, but the Arsenal star had his equalizer chalked away. Denis Unduff eventually equalized for Germany in the second half, with the forward scoring from the spot in the second half.
With this win, Germany will secure a spot in the next round and could immediately take the top spot, while Ivory Coast still have work to do to secure a spot in the final round.
Germany had the best chance early on, with Havertz heading it towards goal, but Yahia Fofana saved.
Despite the early scare, the Ivorian team bounced back quickly. And its author was, as expected, Diomand.
There was too much space on the left and his cross went to Amad Diallo, but his shot was blocked. However, it fell to Kessie and the midfielder poked home.
Ange-Joan Bony could have doubled his team’s lead, but his curling shot was saved by Manuel Neuer.
Franck Kessie gives Germany the lead in Toronto (Image: Getty Images)
At that time, Germany thought it had reached the horizon. Havertz scored with a beautiful shot, but the goal was canceled out by the referee early on for a foul on Emmanuel Agbadu.
Germany’s pressure intensified throughout the second period, with Havertz’s header narrowly wide of the target and the closest they came to an equalizer.
And the Europeans needed a combination of two substitutes to equalize. Amiri expertly singled out fellow featured player Unduff and produced a deadly finish on the former Brighton striker. Amiri should have scored three points in stoppage time, but sent a meek shot towards the goalkeeper.
Undahu latched on to a great pass from Felix Nmeka and calmly converted the ball deep into stoppage time, sealing their place at the top of the group and proving themselves the winner for the German team.
Germany will play against Ecuador next week, while Ivory Coast will play against Curacao, but their qualifications for the next round have not yet been determined.
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