Germany came from behind to defeat Ivory Coast 2-1 in their Group E World Cup match on June 20 in Toronto, clinching qualification for the knockout stage for the first time since 2014 [1, 2, 3]. Ivory Coast took the lead in the first half with a goal from Franck Kessie [2, 3].

Deniz Undav scored both of Germany's goals in the second half after coming off the bench [2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 3]. Undav has been in exceptional form, netting nine goals in his last eight matches for Germany, including three goals and two assists in this tournament [6, 7, 3, 8, 9]. Coach Julian Nagelsmann praised Undav's impact, saying, "When (the game) opens up he's really great at moving around. Deniz is nobody who needs to be prepared; he can jump in right away" [9]. Nagelsmann also hinted Undav could start the final group match against Ecuador, adding, "Maybe he can start next time... I think that every player would love to be in the starting lineup, but I think he's very happy as it is right now" [6].

Germany began the match with the same lineup as against Curaçao, with Kai Havertz leading the attack [1]. After two matches, Germany topped Group E with six points while Ivory Coast had three [2, 3]. Germany coach Nagelsmann said, "I am very happy that we won the match. In the end, we deservedly won it. The boys invested a lot. I'm very happy for the whole team because everyone knew they (were) important" [5].

Undav's rise has been notable as a late bloomer who signed his first professional contract in his twenties after playing in lower divisions while working factory jobs [7, 8, 10]. He is of Kurdish Yazidi heritage and is the first Yazidi footballer to represent Germany at a major tournament [8, 10]. Nagelsmann publicly apologized in March for comments perceived as disrespectful to Undav but has mostly used him as a substitute so far [7, 11].

Germany defender Nico Schlotterbeck sustained an injury during the Ivory Coast match and was due for a scan on June 21 to assess his fitness [11].

Ivory Coast coach Emerse Fae acknowledged Germany's experience made the difference, saying, "A difference in experience that meant in the chances that we did have at the end of the game, where we needed to find the back of the net, we were hesitant" [9]. Ivory Coast remains optimistic about reaching the knockout stage by beating Curaçao in their final group match on June 25 in Philadelphia [9]. Curaçao drew 0-0 with Ecuador on June 20 and still has a chance to qualify [12].

Germany will face Ecuador in their last group-stage match on June 25 in New Jersey [3, 11].