Germany rally past Ivory Coast to seal first World Cup knockout place since 2014

TORONTO: Germany fought back to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 on Saturday, booking a place in the World Cup knockout stage for the first time since lifting the trophy in 2014.

Substitute Deniz Undav scored both goals for Germany, including the winner four minutes into stoppage time, as a crowd of 43,000 in Toronto that was largely backing the Europeans erupted in celebration. The result marked a breakthrough for coach Julian Nagelsmann, who had been under heavy pressure with Germany having failed to get beyond the group stage at the last two World Cups.

Ivory Coast struck first in the 30th minute through Franck Kessie, who finished from close range after strong play by teenage forward Yan Diomande. The young Ivorian, who is attracting interest from several leading European clubs including Liverpool, helped create the opening that put his side ahead.

Germany had the ball in the net twice before the break, but neither effort counted. In the 21st minute, Nathaniel Brown delivered a corner that was turned in by Aleksandar Pavlovic, only for Paraguayan referee Juan Gabriel Benitez to rule it out immediately for a foul on Ivory Coast goalkeeper Yahia Fofana. Then in the 38th minute, Kai Havertz also had a goal disallowed because of a foul by Jamal Musiala.

Germany increased the pressure after halftime and eventually found a way through. Ivory Coast’s defence resisted until the 68th minute, when Undav volleyed home from a cross by Nadiem Amiri. His second goal, scored deep into injury time, sparked wild celebrations on the German bench and in the stands as Germany ended a run of World Cup frustration.

Germany defender Jonathan Tah told MagentaTV the team’s resolve had made the difference. "Winning mentality, team spirit — we had exactly what you need to be successful in a tournament. We never gave up, we kept going no matter what. The guys coming off the bench brought energy. Deniz deserves a special mention, outstanding!" he said.

For Ivory Coast, the defeat was another setback in their attempt to reach the knockout rounds for the first time at a World Cup. However, they can still progress if they beat tournament debutants Curacao in their final group-stage match.