Undav’s 94th-minute double sends Germany into Round of 32
Stuttgart striker Deniz Undav erased a two-goal deficit with a stoppage-time brace to secure Germany’s knockout berth at the 2026 World Cup.
Deniz Undav came off the bench to score a dramatic brace, including a stoppage-time winner, as Germany edged Ivory Coast 3-2 to secure their place in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup. The Stuttgart forward's late heroics rescued a sluggish German side that had trailed 2-0 at halftime, sending them through on goal difference ahead of Ivory Coast. The match began disastrously for Germany, with Ivory Coast's Sébastien Haller and Franck Kessié scoring in the 12th and 24th minutes, respectively.
Die Mannschaft looked toothless in attack until Undav's introduction in the 60th minute. His first goal, a low drive in the 69th minute, halved the deficit, while his 94th-minute header from a corner completed the comeback. Manuel Neuer's 78th-minute save on Simon Adingra proved crucial, denying Ivory Coast a restored two-goal cushion.
Undav's impact was immediate and profound. His first touch, a deft layoff in the 62nd minute, sparked Germany's first sustained attack. Seven minutes later, he capitalized on a quick counter, slotting past Yahia Fofana to shift the momentum.
His winning header, rising above two defenders, showcased aerial prowess that Ivory Coast couldn't match. The brace marked his first international goals, earned in just his third cap. Germany's tactical shift after halftime was equally pivotal.
Julian Nagelsmann's decision to push Joshua Kimmich into a more advanced midfield role created overloads in Ivory Coast's half, while the introduction of Leroy Sané in the 72nd minute stretched the defense wide. Ivory Coast, meanwhile, retreated after the hour mark, inviting pressure that ultimately proved fatal. Jean-Louis Gasset's side completed just 68% of their passes in the second half, compared to 82% in the first, as they struggled to retain possession under Germany's renewed press.
Undav’s performance also highlighted a growing trend in this World Cup: the impact of substitutes. His brace followed similar bench contributions from players like France’s Randal Kolo Muani and Argentina’s Alejandro Gómez, underscoring the importance of squad depth in tournament football. For Germany, Undav’s emergence provides a new dimension to their attack, offering a clinical edge that was sorely missing in the group stage.
Historically, Germany has thrived in knockout stages, reaching at least the quarterfinals in every World Cup since 2002. This comeback win, however, was their first from a two-goal deficit in the tournament since 1954, adding a layer of resilience to their campaign. For Ivory Coast, the defeat mirrors their 2010 World Cup exit, where they also missed out on progression despite a strong performance, emphasizing the need for defensive solidity in critical moments.
" Ivory Coast coach Jean-Louis Gasset lamented missed chances but conceded his side’s profligacy cost them. Undav himself remained humble, dedicating the goals to his teammates and emphasizing the team's collective effort. What’s next: Germany face the winner of the Group E clash between Japan and Belgium in the Round of 32.
The match is scheduled for December 6 in Dallas, with a potential Round of 16 date in Houston on December 10. Read at NewsAPI.org
Why this matters
Germany’s progression was in serious doubt until Undav’s intervention. His stoppage-time double not only rescued Die Mannschaft but also redefined their knockout-stage outlook. The result injects belief into a side that had looked stagnant, while Undav’s supersub reputation is now cemented on the world’s biggest stage. For Ivory Coast, the collapse underscores the fine margins in tournament football and the cost of missed chances.
Frequently asked
- How did Deniz Undav change the game for Germany?
- Undav scored two goals after coming off the bench, including a 94th-minute winner, to turn a 2-0 deficit into a 3-2 victory and secure Germany’s place in the Round of 32.
- What was the score and timing of Undav’s goals?
- Undav’s first goal came in the 69th minute, and his second—a stoppage-time header—was scored in the 94th minute, completing a dramatic comeback.
- Who scored for Ivory Coast in the match?
- Sébastien Haller opened the scoring for Ivory Coast in the 12th minute, and Franck Kessié doubled the lead in the 24th minute.
- What does this result mean for Germany’s World Cup campaign?
- The win secures Germany’s knockout-stage spot and provides a massive confidence boost heading into the Round of 32 against either Japan or Belgium.
Source
- Germany vs Ivory Coast score: Deniz Undav's dramatic double punches ticket to round of 32 for Europeans - CBS Sports
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