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In a tense Group E encounter at BMO Field on Saturday, Germany staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Ivory Coast 2-1, securing their place in the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup with a match to spare.
The Elephants drew first blood and looked set to pull off the famous upset, but substitute Deniz Undav stole the show with two late goals, including an injury-time winner that broke the hearts of the Ivorians.
The victory propelled Germany to the top of the group with six points, while Ivory Coast, despite a valiant effort, now face a scenario where they must win in their final group match to keep hopes of progressing to the knockout stage alive.
Ivory Coast started brightly, taking advantage of their pace and physicality in midfield.
They took a well-deserved lead in the first half thanks to a well-worked play that exposed momentary failures in the German defense.
For much of the match, the West Africans matched the pace of the European giants, with key players such as Franck Kessié anchoring the midfield and attackers such as Amad Diallo and Yan Diomande threatening on the counter.
However, German coach Julian Nagelsmann’s decision to introduce Undav proved decisive.
The striker, who had already made an impact off the bench earlier in the tournament, tied the score with a clinical finish before completing his double in added time.
Replays confirmed that the winning goal was on the line, exciting the German fans and securing the breakthrough.
“Undav changes the rules of the game,” Nagelsmann said after the match. “We knew Ivory Coast would be tough and they played excellently. But the character shown by the team in coming back late shows the mentality we need at this level.”
For Ivory Coast, defeat was a bitter pill to swallow
Coach Emerse Faé’s team had come into the game with momentum after their first victory, but defensive vulnerabilities in the closing stages proved costly.
Captain Franck Kessié and the defense fought hard, but the Elephants will now regroup for the decisive final match.
The match highlighted the competitiveness of Group E, with high-quality football and dramatic moments that have defined this World Cup so far.
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As the 2026 tournament continues, both teams will look to the future.
Germany are aiming for a deep race, as Ivory Coast fights for survival in what promises to be an unforgettable World Cup.
