Deniz Undav scored twice off the bench as Germany pulled off a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Ivory Coast in their World Cup Group E match, securing their place in the knockout stage for the first time since winning the title in 2014.
Despite having two goals disallowed in the first half, Germany maintained their composure and used intricate passing to create chances, while the West Africans showcased their dynamic attacking style in a wild group clash.
Undav leveled the score in the 68th minute with a controlled volleyed finish and struck again when he received a pass on the turn, swiveling and firing home a shot that Yahia Fofana had no chance of stopping. The versatile striker now has nine goals in his last eight matches.
Simon Adingra had a late chance for Ivory Coast but failed to get a shot off before Germany charged back down the field, with Fofana blocking a low shot from Nathaniel Brown.
Ivory Coast had opened the scoring in the first half when Franck Kessie slotted home a rebound off a shot by Amad Diallo, created after Yan Diomande charged down the left side and sent in a cross.
With over 100,000 people of German ancestry living in Toronto, Julian Nagelsmann's men enjoyed plenty of support but were frustrated at halftime with nothing to show for their eight attempts on goal.
Germany thought they had opened the scoring when Aleksandar Pavlovic met a short corner in the 25th minute, but the goal was disallowed for a foul on Fofana. The decision left Pavlovic in disbelief, and the partisan German crowd voiced their displeasure.
Shortly after, Ivory Coast broke through with Kessie's goal. The West Africans have scored in their last seven tournament matches – the longest such sequence in their history on the global stage.
Germany once again put the ball in the net, but their celebrations were cut short as the referee determined that Jamal Musiala had fouled Odilon Kossounou in the buildup.
Germany top Group E with six points and advance to the last 32, while Ivory Coast remain on three points after two matches. Ecuador and Curacao meet in Kansas City later on Saturday.
Germany will close out the group stage against Ecuador on Thursday in New Jersey, while Ivory Coast face Curacao in Philadelphia.
Source: www.aljazeera.com