Undav double sends Germany past Ivory Coast and into World Cup knockouts

Deniz Undav's dramatic late double secured Germany's place in the World Cup knockouts for the first time since 2014, as they staged a thrilling 2-1 comeback against Ivory Coast.

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This is a really important victory. We showed great character today.

After having two goals disallowed in the first half, Germany found their rhythm with intricate passing. Ivory Coast, known for their dynamic attacking style, had taken the lead through Franck Kessie's rebound off a shot by Amad. This marked an unfamiliar halftime deficit for Germany, only the fourth time in their last 36 World Cup contests.

However, the second half saw a more active and determined German side. Undav, who now boasts nine goals in his last eight matches, leveled the score with a controlled volley in the 68th minute. He then sealed the victory in stoppage time, receiving a pass, turning, and firing home an unstoppable shot. "We showed great character today," Undav stated after the match. "In the end, we deservedly won it. The boys invested a lot. I’m very happy for the whole team," added coach Julian Nagelsmann.

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In the end, we deservedly won it. The boys invested a lot. I’m very happy for the whole team.

The loss was a blow to Ivory Coast's aspirations of reaching the knockout stages for the first time. "We wanted to make history today," said winger Amad Diallo. "But I think everything was a little tight."

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We wanted to make the history today. But I think everything was a little tight.