From factory floor to World Cup star - Germany's super-sub Undav

Deniz Undav is proving his worth for Germany at the World Cup, silencing doubters with crucial goals and assists. His journey from factory worker to a key player highlights a remarkable rise against expectations.

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Yes, definitely. I said before we can talk a lot about the different approaches. Why should I ruin his flow? He came in twice and got goals twice.

Initially facing public criticism from manager Julian Nagelsmann, Undav has transformed his World Cup campaign. After a controversial exchange following a late winner in March, Nagelsmann questioned Undav's impact if he started. However, Undav has since let his performance speak volumes, becoming a vital "super-sub" for "Die Mannschaft."

With three goals and two assists in just two appearances off the bench, Undav has achieved the joint-most goal involvements for a substitute at a World Cup since 1966, equaling Cameroon's Roger Milla. This impressive record has put him in contention for a starting position in Germany's upcoming matches.

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When Werder told me at 14 that I didn't have a future with them because I was too small, it broke my heart. But I did not abandon hope.

Undav's path to the World Cup stage was far from straightforward. Rejected by Werder Bremen at 14 for being too small, he later juggled semi-professional football in Germany's fourth tier with demanding eight-hour factory shifts. He described waking at 4 a.m. for work before training, returning home around 8 p.m., a grueling routine necessary to support himself financially.

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I left the family home at 17 to sign for Havelse in the fourth division in Germany where I combined playing and training with working full-time, eight-hour days operating a laser machine in a factory.

His current success with Germany, including becoming the first German to score in his first two World Cup appearances since Miroslav Klose in 2002, marks a significant achievement. Undav's story is a testament to perseverance, turning a distant dream into a reality on the world's biggest football stage.

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I had to do that job for the money to live because I couldn't survive on the money from the football alone.