Amiri calls World Cup debut 'a dream' after match-winning assist

Nadiem Amiri described his World Cup debut as a dream come true after playing a pivotal role in Germany's dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against Ivory Coast. The midfielder, who came on as a substitute in the 60th minute with Germany trailing 1-0, delivered a precise cross for Deniz Undav's equalizer eight minutes later. Undav then scored the winning goal in stoppage time, completing a remarkable turnaround.

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It is like a dream, simply unbelievable.

Amiri, whose family resides in Toronto, felt a special connection to the match. "I said before the World Cup that this game here is a very special game for me," he stated, having organized 25 tickets for his family. "To make my World Cup debut here with the assist for the 1-1 and to turn the game around like this is truly perfect."

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I said before the World Cup that this game here is a very special game for me.

The 29-year-old midfielder also highlighted his close relationship with German national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, whom he considers a mentor. Nagelsmann had previously paved the way for Amiri's professional career. "Julian is like a father figure to me in football. He was enormously important for my development," Amiri had said prior to the match.

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To make my World Cup debut here with the assist for the 1-1 and to turn the game around like this is truly perfect.

Amiri's impactful performance came after he was not used in Germany's opening group game. Coach Nagelsmann praised Amiri's immediate impact, noting his ability to quickly engage emotionally and delivering an "outstandingly good" cross. Amiri also expressed profound gratitude to the traveling German fans, who significantly outnumbered local supporters, making the match feel like a home game and providing crucial energy.

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Julian is like a father figure to me in football. He was enormously important for my development.