Germany 2–1 Ivory Coast
The final whistle at Toronto Stadium will surely leave Ivory Coast in a bad light. It will also bring to mind Gary Lineker’s famous and clichéd quote: ‘Football is a very simple game. 22 men chasing a ball for 90 minutes and in the end Germany always wins.’
The African team felt Lineker’s words to the bone. Ivory Coast led until the 67th minute with a goal from Frank Kessie in the 30th minute. Then, with a pair of goals from substitute forward Deniz Undav, Germany finally won the match 2-1 and secured their place in the knockout stages of the World Cup. This is the first time Germany has reached the knockout stages of the World Cup since the 2014 edition.
Germany won the World Cup 12 years ago. Since then, Germany has been eliminated from the group stage in two consecutive World Cups.
It was a tragic thing for Amad Diallo. Because, the two teams were tied after Undav’s first goal in the 68th minute. If the match had ended that way, Ivory Coast could have gotten a point. But Undav’s second goal in the fourth (94th) minute of added time ended their hopes.
Ivory Coast captain Kessie scored a goal from inside the box to put Germany behind. Desperate for an equaliser, German coach Julian Nagelsmann brought on substitutes to defend the four-time world champions.
Excitement filled with love from teammates after the matchAFP
Nagelsmann made three substitutions in the 60th minute—Nadim Amiri for Aleksandar Pavlović, Jamie Levelling for Leroy Sane, and Undav for Musiala. Amiri and Undav played a key role in Germany’s victory. Amiri provided the assist for Undav’s first goal.
A foul by Musiala early in the second half disallowed German star Kai Havertz’s goal. Ivory Coast also squandered scoring opportunities in both halves. In particular, the question will be raised as to why their forward Simon Adingna did not take a shot after receiving the ball inside the German box in the 88th minute. Ivory Coast had a clear chance to score.
Ivory Coast captain Frank Kessie celebrates after scoring against GermanyAFP
However, Ivory Coast really scared Germany by scoring first. Before this match, Germany had only won one of the last 10 matches in the World Cup in which they had conceded first. This statistic suggested that it would be difficult for Germany to win the match. However, Nagelsmann’s team did not give up until the last minute and managed to pick up 3 points.
Germany has overtaken Brazil in World Cup statistics with this win despite falling behind. Germany now holds the record for the most number of matches in which they have come from behind to win. Germany has won a maximum of 16 matches in the World Cup. Brazil has won 15 matches. In addition, German legend Manuel Neuer set a record for the most matches (21) played as a goalkeeper in the World Cup, taking the field against Ivory Coast.
Germany is at the top of Group E with 6 points from two matches. Ivory Coast is second with 3 points from the same number of matches. Ecuador and Curacao are third and have no points from one match each. Three more matches will be played in this group.
