Late Undav Strike Sends Germany past Ivory Coast in dramatic 2–1 finish

Germany secured their place in the knockout stages with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Ivory Coast in a tightly contested encounter that remained finely balanced until the dying moments of the match.

In a game that ebbed and flowed throughout, there was little to separate both sides, with a draw appearing a fair outcome for much of the contest. However, Germany found the decisive spark late on, as Nmecha and Deniz Undav combined to deliver the moment of quality that settled the tie.

With the match seemingly heading for a draw after the regulation six minutes of added time, Germany struck in dramatic fashion. Just two minutes from the end, Undav latched onto a brilliantly disguised pass from Nmecha, timing his run perfectly on the shoulder of the last defender.

After a composed first touch and quick turn inside the box, he produced an unerring left-footed finish to put Germany ahead. Replays later confirmed he had stayed comfortably onside.

The goal capped a frantic closing phase in which both teams spurned several opportunities. Ivory Coast will be particularly frustrated after failing to convert key chances, notably when Nicolas Pépé surged down the left following a defensive error by Germany’s Jonathan Tah. Pépé opted for a square pass to the unmarked Simon Adingra, but the winger’s first touch let him down at a crucial moment.

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Germany also had their own openings in a back-and-forth finale. A midfield mistake from Ibrahim Fofana gifted them a promising four-on-three situation, but Nadiem Amiri’s effort lacked precision as he attempted to place his shot beyond the goalkeeper. Moments later, Nathaniel Brown tested the Ivorian goalkeeper with a low drive, which was well saved to keep his side in the contest.

Ivory Coast continued to threaten, but inconsistency in the final third proved costly. Jean-Philippe Krasso was penalised for a challenge on Nmecha in a dangerous area, though Germany appeared fortunate to escape without conceding possession in a threatening position.

Both managers made key changes as the match progressed. Ivory Coast introduced Nicolas Pépé in place of Diomande, while Germany responded with Leon Goretzka replacing Kai Havertz in midfield, aiming to stabilise control in the closing stages.

Elsewhere, Randal Kolo Muani tested the goalkeeper from distance with a speculative effort that failed to trouble the shot-stopper. Ivory Coast also suffered a setback when Singo was forced off injured and replaced by Doue, raising concerns that the defender could be facing a spell on the sidelines.

Despite Ivory Coast winning a late corner after a dangerous cross from the left, Germany ultimately held firm, with Kai Havertz helping to clear the danger as they saw out the final moments.

In the end, it was Germany’s efficiency in a decisive moment that proved the difference, sealing a 2–1 win and progression to the knockout rounds, while Ivory Coast were left to reflect on missed chances in a match that could easily have gone their way.