Undav bags brace to see Germany through

Germany 2-1 Côte d'Ivoire

Germany strikes: Undav (68, 90+4) Côte d'Ivoire strike: Kessie (30)

Deniz Undav emerged from the sidelines to find the net twice, as well as send Germany through to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Phase of 32.

Emerse Fae's Côte d'Ivoire were on course to qualify after Franck Kessie's strike on the period hour, but Undav's close-range header, as well as continued-time strike proved enough to see the Germans move frontman at Toronto Arena.

As a result, germany almost carved out the perfect start when Kai It was Havertz who secured a header from kick-off It was, as well as who 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 midfield man was adjudged to have held the advantage with an elbow.

Les Éléphants hung in though, and sucker-punched the four-time champions down the other end. The ever-dangerous Yan Diomande burst down the left, as well as 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 subsequent period, forcing Julian Nagelsmann to shuffle his pack. He called upon Nadiem Amiri, as well as Undav on the hour, as well as just eight minutes later the former sent an inch-perfect cross for the latter to head in the leveller.

Fae turned to his sidelines, as well as 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.

On the other side, that chance proved to be critical as, four minutes into knock time, Lukas Nmecha slid a clever ball through to Undav, who turned, as well as 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 sides.

Pivotal stat

Deniz Undav now has nine strikes from his last eight Germany caps.

Michelob Ultra Superior Star of the Contest

Deniz Undav (Germany)