Substitute Deniz Undav emerged as Germany’s hero with a late double as the four-time champions came from behind to defeat Ivory Coast 2-1 and book their place in the World Cup last 32.
Julian Nagelsmann’s side, who opened their campaign with a dominant 6-0 victory over Curacao, looked set for a shock defeat after Franck Kessié handed Ivory Coast the lead in the first half at Toronto Stadium.
The Africans deserved their advantage for much of the contest, but Germany’s fortunes changed after Nagelsmann introduced fresh legs midway through the second half.
Two substitutes combined to draw Germany level in the 68th minute, with Nadiem Amiri delivering a pinpoint cross that Undav converted with a composed volley.
Germany had started brightly and nearly struck inside the opening minute through Kai Havertz, who later forced a save from Yahia Fofana.
Jamal Musiala also went close, while Aleksandar Pavlovic thought he had opened the scoring only for his effort to be ruled out for a foul on the goalkeeper.
After weathering early pressure, Ivory Coast grew into the game and broke the deadlock in the 30th minute.
Yan Diomande’s dangerous run and cross created chaos in the German box, and after Nathaniel Brown blocked Amad Diallo’s initial effort on the line, Kessié reacted quickest to fire home.
Germany suffered another setback when Havertz had a goal disallowed before the break, while Ivory Coast continued to threaten after the restart.
Christ Inao Oulaï missed a good opportunity and Diomande sent a volley wide as the Elephants searched for a second goal.
Nagelsmann responded with a triple substitution on the hour mark, introducing Amiri, Jamie Leweling and Undav. The changes paid immediate dividends as Amiri’s curling delivery found Undav, who expertly volleyed past Fofana to restore parity.
The closing stages were frantic. Simon Adingra squandered a promising chance for Ivory Coast, while Fofana produced important saves to deny Brown and Amiri.
Just as the match appeared destined for a draw, Germany struck in stoppage time. Felix Nmecha threaded a pass into Undav, who controlled brilliantly before firing beyond Fofana in the fourth minute of added time to seal a dramatic comeback victory and secure Germany’s progression to the knockout stage.
