Undav Double Sends Germany Into Knockout Stage With Dramatic Comeback Win Over Ivory Coast

Germany came from behind to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in Toronto on Saturday, a win that sends them through to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time since they lifted the trophy in 2014.

Substitute Deniz Undav scored twice in the second half to turn the game around, including a winner deep in injury time.

Ivory Coast took the lead in the 30th minute through captain Franck Kessie, who poked the ball past Manuel Neuer after Amad Diallo's close-range effort was blocked. It capped a lively start from the African side, who had been pressing Germany with pace and energy.

Germany had thought they were ahead earlier, but a header from Aleksandar Pavlovic in the 22nd minute was ruled out for a foul on Ivory Coast goalkeeper Yahia Fofana. Kai Havertz also had a goal chalked off in the first half for a foul in the build-up.

Ivory Coast had chances to extend their lead, with both Christ Inao Oulai and Kessie missing presentable opportunities. Those misses proved costly.

Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann turned to his bench in search of an answer, and Undav delivered. The Stuttgart forward equalized in the 68th minute, finishing off a cross from fellow substitute Nadiem Amiri. He struck again in the 94th minute, controlling a pass from Felix Nmecha and turning it past Fofana for the winner.

It was another big moment off the bench for Undav, who also scored and set up two goals after coming on as a substitute in Germany's 7-1 opening win over Curacao.

The result puts Germany top of Group E on six points and through to the round of 32. Ivory Coast stay on three points after two games but can still progress if they beat World Cup debutants Curacao in their final group match.

Ecuador and Curacao play later in Kansas City.