Germany Reach World Cup Knockout Stage for the First Time Since 2014

Sports Desk

Germany beat Ivory Coast 2-1 thanks to a brace from substitute Denis Undav, securing their first World Cup knockout stage appearance since 2014 with a thrilling Group E win on Saturday.

The referee disallowed two German goals in the first half of the match, but that didn’t deter the team. While the West African nation of Ivory Coast was attacking one after another, Germany maintained their rhythm by relying on passing football.

Undav equalised for Germany with a superb volley in the 68th minute. Moments later, he turned the ball around and scored his second with a superb shot. Ivory Coast goalkeeper Yahya Fofana had nothing to do. The striker has scored nine goals in his last eight matches.

Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra had a chance to score late in the match but failed to capitalize. On the other hand, Fofana blocked a low shot from Germany’s Nathaniel Brown.

Ivory Coast scored the first goal of the match in the first half. Ian Diomande passed the ball from the left to Amad Diallo. Diallo’s shot was saved by the goalkeeper and Frank Kessie scored the goal with the rebound.

Coach Julian Nagelsmann’s men were getting great support from the stands in Toronto, Canada, with a large German-born population. However, they were left frustrated at the break after failing to score despite eight first-half attempts.

Aleksandar Pavlovich jumped from a corner kick in the 25th minute of the match and sent the ball into the net. But the referee disallowed the goal because he fouled the goalkeeper. Pavlovich sat down in frustration with this decision. Shortly after, Casey’s goal gave Ivory Coast the lead. With this, the team set a record of scoring in their last seven matches at the World Cup.

In the second half, the referee disallowed another German goal after Jamal Musiala committed a foul. However, in the end, they left the field with a victory thanks to Undav’s double.

After this victory, Germany secured a place at the top of Group ‘E’ with six points from two matches, securing a place in the last 32. Ivory Coast has three points from the draw. Germany will play Ecuador in the final match of the group stage next Thursday, while Ivory Coast will face Curacao.