Denis Undav came off the bench to score a dramatic late winner as Germany secured a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in Toronto, booking their place in the World Cup last 32 as Group E winners.
Ivory Coast Take Early Lead
Franck Kessie gave the African side the lead midway through the first half, bundling home Yan Diomande's cross after the winger was given too much space down the left flank. Amad Diallo had an initial effort blocked, but the ball fell to Kessie, who prodded it past Manuel Neuer.
Ange-Yoan Bonny could have doubled Ivory Coast's lead but saw his curling effort saved by Neuer. Germany thought they had equalized just before halftime when Kai Havertz curled home a brilliant strike, but the goal was disallowed due to a foul on Emmanuel Agbadou earlier in the move.
Germany Fight Back
Germany's pressure intensified in the second half. Havertz went close with a header that dropped just off target. The equalizer came from two substitutes: Nadiem Amiri expertly picked out Denis Undav, the former Brighton striker, who fired home with a lethal finish. Amiri could have stolen all three points in stoppage time but fired straight at the goalkeeper.
Undav proved to be the matchwinner deep into stoppage time, netting a late goal to seal top spot in the group. According to the match report, the win ensured Germany advanced as group winners, while Ivory Coast still face an uncertain path to the next round.
What's Next
Germany will face Ecuador next week in the round of 32, while Ivory Coast take on Curacao, needing a result to secure their spot in the knockout stages.
