Super-sub Undav fires Germany into World Cup knockout stage with brace against Ivory Coast

Germany secured their spot in the World Cup knockout phase with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast on Tuesday. The match, played in Toronto, saw the Germans dominate early but fail to capitalize. Joshua Kimmich's cross found Kai Havertz, whose header was saved by Ivorian goalkeeper Yahia Fofana. Ivory Coast took the lead in the 30th minute: a left-flank attack culminated in a blocked shot from Amad Diallo, but Franck Kessié followed up to blast the ball into the far corner, making it 1-0. Before halftime, Germany had two goals disallowed – Alexandar Pavlovic's strike was ruled offside, and another was chalked off for a foul. The turning point came in the 60th minute when coach Julian Nagelsmann brought on Denis Undav. The Stuttgart striker equalized eight minutes later: Nadim Amiri's cross was misjudged by Havertz, but the ball fell to Undav, who slotted home. Deep into stoppage time, Undav received a precise pass inside the box and fired the winner, securing a 2-1 victory. Germany now have six points from two matches, virtually guaranteeing top spot in Group E. Ivory Coast stay on three points. Undav, making his World Cup debut, also had a goal and two assists in the previous match against Curaçao.