TORONTO, June 20 — Deniz Undav scored two goals off the bench as Germany pulled off a thrilling comeback to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in their World Cup Group E match on Saturday, securing their place in the knockout stage for the first time since they won the title in 2014.
After having two goals disallowed in the first half, Germany did not lose focus and used intricate passing to find their way, while the West Africans produced their dynamic brand of attacking football in a wild encounter at Toronto Stadium.
"This is a really important victory. We showed great character today," said versatile striker Undav, who now has nine goals in his last eight matches.
He levelled the score with a controlled, volleyed finish in the 68th minute and struck again in stoppage time when he received a pass on the turn, before swivelling and firing home a ball that Yahia Fofana had no chance at stopping.
Simon Adingra had a late chance for Ivory Coast, but he failed to get a shot off in the area before Germany charged back down the field, where Fofana blocked a low shot from Nathaniel Brown.
The loss denied the Ivory Coast, at least for now, the chance to secure its first trip to the knockout stages.
"We wanted to make the history today. But I think everything was a little tight," said Ivory Coast winger Amad Diallo.
Unfamiliar halftime deficit for Germany
Ivory Coast had opened the scoring in the first half when Franck Kessié slotted home a rebound off a shot by Amad on a play created when Yan Diomande charged down the left side and sent in a cross.
With more than 100,000 people of German ancestry living in Toronto, Julian Nagelsmann's men enjoyed plenty of support but were a frustrated group at the interval with nothing to show for their eight attempts on goal.
It was definitely unfamiliar territory for Germany as it marked only the fourth time they have faced a half-time deficit in their last 36 contests at the global showpiece.
But after the break a more active German side showed up, one that took more risks and were determined to dedicate everything in their effort to win.
"In the end, we deservedly won it. The boys invested a lot; I am very happy for the whole team," Nagelsmann told the media.
Germany saw two goals called back
Germany looked to have opened the scoring when midfielder Aleksandar Pavlović rose to meet a short corner in the 25th minute, but was deemed to have fouled Fofana in the process.
The ruling left Pavlović with his hands atop his head in disbelief, while Fofana received some attention after the collision, and the partisan German crowd made their disdain for the referee's decision known.
Shortly after, it was the Ivory Coast who finally broke through with Kessié's goal. The West Africans have scored in their last seven matches at the tournament — the longest such sequence on the global stage in their history.
Germany once again put the ball in the back of the net, but their celebrations were cut short as the referee determined that Jamal Musiala had fouled Odilon Kossounou in the build-up.
"We had exactly what it takes to succeed in a tournament, a winning mentality, team spirit. We did not give up; we just kept going
"The guys coming off the bench brought new energy to the game. Deniz deserves special mention; he was outstanding," said German defender Jonathan Tah.
Germany top Group E with six points and are through to the last 32, while the Ivory Coast remain on three after two matches. Ecuador and Curaçao meet in Kansas City later on Saturday.
Germany will close out the group stage against Ecuador on Thursday in New Jersey, while the Ivory Coast face Curaçao in Philadelphia.
