Deniz Undav's Double Secures Germany's Dramatic Late Win Over Côte d'Ivoire in World Cup 2026 Germany’s 2-1 victory over Côte d’Ivoire in a pulsating World Cup 2026 group match marked their return to the knockout stages for the first time since 2014. The win, secured by Deniz Undav’s brace in the final minutes, ended a 12-year drought for the four-time world champions and underscored their resilience in a tournament where they had previously faltered. Côte d’Ivoire, the youngest team at the event, had taken an early lead through Franck Kessié’s 30th-minute goal, but Germany’s late surge, fueled by tactical adjustments and undying determination, turned the tide. The match, played on a crisp lakeside afternoon in the United States, was a microcosm of the tournament’s unpredictability. Germany, entering the game with a mix of optimism and trepidation, faced significant challenges. The squad had been plagued by injuries, including the absence of key creative players like Serge Gnabry and Lennart Karl, and the return of 40-year-old Manuel Neuer from a two-year international hiatus. Manager Julian Nagelsmann, who had yet to fully convince critics of his managerial prowess, was under pressure to deliver results. Meanwhile, Côte d’Ivoire, led by their 19-year-old star Yan Diomande, posed a far stiffer test than their 7-1 thrashing of Curaçao just days earlier. The first half was a tense affair, with both teams trading chances. Germany’s Kai Havertz came close to opening the scoring with a header saved by Côte d’Ivoire’s Yahia Fofana, while Jamal Musiala’s curled effort narrowly missed the target. The Paraguayan referee, Juan Gabriel Benítez, even called a drinks break in the 39th minute, a moment that drew boos from the sellout crowd.#manuel_neuer #julian_nagelsmann #deniz_undav #yan_diomande #franck_kessi
