Germany qualifies with difficulty for the next round, Undav comes off the bench and single-handedly turns the game around against Ivory Coast

Germany secured a hard-fought 2–1 victory against Ivory Coast in the second match of Group E.

The match started with Germany controlling more of the ball and trying to set the rhythm of the game. However, Julian Nagelsmann’s team struggled to find space against a physically strong opponent that was dangerous on the counterattack.

Ivory Coast players won many individual duels and several times created dangerous situations in front of the German goal. In the 30th minute came the surprise of the match, when Franck Kessié took advantage of a rebound inside the box and sent the ball into the net, putting the Africans ahead 1–0.

After conceding, Germany increased the pressure in attack, while their opponents focused on defense, closing spaces well and making German attacking moves significantly more difficult.

In the second half, Ivory Coast continued to play with intelligence and aggression, keeping Germany away from their goal and creating two good chances to double their lead. However, their lack of finishing proved costly.

In the 68th minute, Deniz Undav, introduced from the bench, equalized, bringing the game back into balance and reopening the contest completely.

The German striker was again decisive later on, scoring from inside the box to beat the opposing goalkeeper and complete the turnaround. His second goal secured Germany three important points and qualification for the next stage of the competition.

“KORÇA BOOM”