Germany has reached the World Cup knockout stages for the first time in over a decade, clinching a dramatic 2-1 victory against Côte d’Ivoire on Saturday. Deniz Undav’s goals in the 68th and 94th minutes turned the match around after Franck Kessié had given the Ivorian side a first-half lead.
This win brings the four-time world champions to six points in the group, although they faced a significantly tougher challenge compared to their previous 7-1 win against Curaçao just days earlier.
Historically, Germany has never been eliminated in the group stages of the World Cup before 2018, where they suffered a dismal exit with two losses, followed by another disappointing group-stage exit in Qatar four years later.
With the tournament expanded to 48 teams, expectations were that Julian Nagelsmann’s squad would not face another early exit. Nevertheless, concerns loomed regarding the performance of key players and the overall composition of the squad.
Among the worries prior to their trip to the United States were the lack of a standout striker, the inconsistent form of Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz, injuries to Serge Gnabry and Lennart Karl, and the return of 40-year-old goalkeeper Manuel Neuer from a long hiatus. Moreover, Nagelsmann’s ability to lead the team had been questioned, both during his tenure with Germany and previously at Bayern Munich.
Another point of concern was the absence of a game-changing player in the team, alongside a general apathy among German fans towards the current squad and the tournament itself.
Germany’s unchanged lineup showed early intent, nearly scoring within 15 seconds as Kai Havertz’s shot soared over the goal. The Ivorians were soon under pressure as Joshua Kimmich’s cross found Havertz, whose header was brilliantly saved by Yahia Fofana. Musiala attempted to find the net but missed from a promising position.
In the 21st minute, Felix Nmecha unleashed a shot that deflected over the Côte d’Ivoire goal. Following the corner, Aleksandar Pavlović’s effort was ruled out for a foul on Fofana as he attempted to score. Amidst treatment for Fofana’s injury, players sought hydration from the sidelines.
However, Paraguayan referee Juan Gabriel Benítez declined their request for a drinks break at that moment, waiting until a minute later to allow hydration, which prompted jeers from the crowd. The match had unfolded on a pleasant lakeside afternoon, ideal for soccer, making the referee’s decision seem unnecessary.
This break shifted the momentum, and in the 30th minute, Ivorian star Yan Diomande made a significant play. Although he had struggled to make an impact earlier, he expertly evaded Kimmich and delivered a low cross to Amad Diallo, whose blocked shot fell to Kessié, who scored from the rebound.
Germany appeared shaken by the goal, and a second disallowed effort only fueled their urgency. In the 39th minute, Musiala’s foul on Odilon Kossounou led to Havertz scoring, only for it to be ruled out. Despite the pressure, the Ivorians effectively countered, causing Germany to lose possession in critical moments.
Germany’s attempts to equalize were represented by a long-range effort from Antonio Rüdiger that missed the target. However, a triple substitution by Nagelsmann at the hour mark rejuvenated the squad, increasing their attacking intensity.
With rising pressure on the Ivorian goal, the breakthrough finally arrived in the 69th minute when substitute Nadiem Amiri set up Undav, who volleyed home from close range. From that point, the Ivorians struggled to maintain their earlier form.
In a chaotic final stretch, Côte d’Ivoire nearly scored during a counterattack as Simon Adingra hesitated when he should have shot. At the other end, Fofana denied a chance from Brown, while Amiri’s attempt went straight at the goalkeeper. Ultimately, Undav secured the win, firing past Fofana to the relief of his teammates and the predominantly German crowd.
Germany prides itself on being a “turniermannschaft,” a team that excels in tournament play. It is fitting that they have advanced to the knockout stage for the first time since their 2014 triumph.
