FIFA WC 2026: Undav's second-half brace takes Germany through to knockouts
Toronto, June 21
Deniz Undav came off the bench in the second half and scored a brace to see Germany come from behind and advance to the knockouts with a 2-1 win over Cote d'Ivoire in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match here at Toronto Stadium on Sunday.
That was absolutely thrilling from start to finish, with Deniz Undav coming off the bench to turn the game on its head. Cote d'Ivoire were 1-0 up when Undav was introduced on the hour. Within eight minutes, he'd equalised and went on to hit a last-gasp winner.
With his brace Undav now has nine goals from his last eight Germany caps.
Germany almost carved out the perfect start when Kai Havertz won a header from kick-off and fired the loose ball just over the crossbar. Joshua Kimmich then found the frontman with a pinpoint cross, but his low header was beaten away by Yahia Fofana.
Fofana was beaten shortly after when Aleksandar Pavlovic headed home a corner from the right, only for the referee to blow after the Bayern Munich midfielder was adjudged to have led with an elbow.
Ivory Coast hung in though, and sucker-punched the four-time champions down the other end. The ever-dangerous Yan Diomande burst down the left and put in a low cross which fell to the feet of Amad Diallo. While Nathaniel Brown made a block, he couldn't prevent Kessie from tucking home the rebound.
The Africans held their own at the start of the second half, forcing Julian Nagelsmann to shuffle his pack. He called upon Nadiem Amiri and Undav on the hour and just eight minutes later the former sent an inch-perfect cross for the latter to head in the leveller.
Fae turned to his bench and was almost handsomely rewarded himself. Nicholas Pepe broke down the right, and as Evann Guessand dragged away the German defence, Simon Adingra was left all alone on the left side of the box. However, a loose touch saw him crowded out.
That chance proved to be crucial as, four minutes into stoppage time, Lukas Nmecha slid a clever ball through to Undav, who turned and finished with aplomb to break Ivorian hearts. Germany will now wait for Curaçao-Ecuador to see whether they will be confirmed as section winners, but are already assured - at worst - of progressing as one of the eight best third-place teams.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Ivory Coast played brilliantly for 60 minutes - they deserved to hold on for at least a draw. Kessie's goal was clinical. But Germany's depth is just too much, bringing on players like Undav from the bench. Nagelsmann's subs changed the game completely. Fantastic football!
As a neutral Indian fan, this is why I love the World Cup! Pure drama till the last minute. Germany looked shaky in first half but that second half performance was top class. Ivory Coast gave them a proper fight though - African football is improving so much. Hope India qualifies one day 🙏
Undav is proving to be the super-sub Germany needed. Reminds me of Oliver Bierhoff's impact in Euro 96. But let's be honest, Germany were lucky - that disallowed goal was harsh on Ivory Coast. The elbow was unintentional. VAR decisions in this tournament have been inconsistent. Still, entertaining match!
That last minute winner was heartbreaking for Ivory Coast 😢 But what a performance from Undav - came on and changed the game completely. Germany's bench strength is scary. Also happy to see Nmecha get an assist - he's been growing into a proper player. World Cup 2026 is delivering great matches!
Germany showing why they're always contenders. That second-half comeback was pure class. Special mention to Kimmich - his crosses are absolutely deadly. Ivory Coast have nothing to be ashamed of though, they pushed a top team all the way. African sides are getting better and better each World Cup. Exciting times for football globally! ⚽