Undav’s super-sub heroics send Germany iInto World Cup knockouts

Germany’s return to the World Cup knockout rounds is officially underway, and Deniz Undav was the man who delivered the decisive moment.

The substitute striker scored twice after entering in the second half, powering Germany to a 2-1 comeback victory over Ivory Coast on Saturday and securing their first trip to the knockout stage since their 2014 championship triumph.

After disappointing group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022, Germany needed a response on the global stage. They found it through a player who started the match on the bench but ended it as the hero.

Undav entered alongside Nadiem Amiri in the 60th minute, and just eight minutes later the pair combined to change the direction of the contest.

Amiri launched a long pass forward that Kai Havertz was unable to bring under control, but the ball fell perfectly into Undav’s path. The forward wasted no time, striking powerfully into the net in the 68th minute to bring Germany level.

“It’s important that everyone sees that even the players from the bench can decide games,” Undav said. “Now we have a really important signal to the team. I think that’s very important in a game like this.”

Ivory Coast strike first but Germany refuse to fold

Ivory Coast had taken control of the scoreboard earlier in the match through captain Franck Kessié.

The breakthrough arrived in the 30th minute after Yan Diomande delivered a dangerous cross toward Amad Diallo. Diallo’s effort was blocked by Germany defender Nathaniel Brown, but the rebound dropped kindly for Kessié, who calmly placed the ball into the open left side of the goal.

Germany thought they had responded twice before halftime, but both efforts were erased.

The first disallowed goal came in the 21st minute after Fofana accidentally turned the ball into his own net, only for Germany midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic to be judged to have committed an illegal challenge during the play.

A second opportunity disappeared in the 38th minute when Jamal Musiala was penalized for contact in the buildup to what would have been a Kai Havertz goal.

The frustration continued, but Germany’s persistence eventually paid off.

A record-setting night for Neuer and a statement from the bench

Undav completed his match-winning performance late, becoming the fourth player in World Cup history to score both an equalizer and a winning goal as a substitute in the same match.

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann praised the striker’s readiness.

“Deniz is nobody who needs to be prepared,” Nagelsmann said. “He can jump in right away.”

The victory also produced another milestone for goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who made his 21st World Cup appearance. The German captain surpassed Hugo Lloris for the most World Cup matches played by a goalkeeper.

“Think we showed great character today,” Undav said. “We want to achieve the most.”

Germany move forward, but injury concern remains

While the result secured Germany’s place among the final 32 teams alongside co-hosts Mexico and United States, the victory came with a concern.

Defender Nico Schlotterbeck was forced off at halftime with an injury.

“We have to wait for the scans but it doesn’t look good,” Nagelsmann said. “He did really well to keep playing until half time and now we just have to wait and see what the news is.”

Germany will close the group stage against Ecuador on Thursday, while Ivory Coast face Curaçao at the same time. The Ivorians remain alive in the qualification race and continue searching for their first appearance in the knockout rounds.

For Germany, however, the message was clear: after years of early exits, the tournament giants have rediscovered their ability to fight back, and this time, their difference-maker came from the bench.