Undav double sends Germany past Ivory Coast and into knockouts

Germany reached the World Cup knockout stage after Deniz Undav came off the bench to score twice in a 2-1 comeback win over Ivory Coast in Group E on Saturday, Reuters reported. The result put Germany on six points and secured its first trip beyond the group stage since winning the tournament in 2014.

Ivory Coast had led through Franck Kessie in the first half, but Undav changed the match after the break. Reuters reported that he equalised in the 68th minute with a composed volley, then scored the winner in injury time after taking a pass on the turn, spinning and finishing past goalkeeper Yahia Fofana.

The win left Germany at the top of Group E after two matches. Ivory Coast stayed on three points, with Ecuador and Curacao scheduled to play later Saturday in Kansas City, according to Reuters.

Germany overcome two ruled-out goals

Germany had two first-half goals disallowed before falling behind. Reuters reported that Aleksandar Pavlovic thought he had scored in the 25th minute after meeting a short corner, but the referee ruled that he had fouled Fofana during the play.

Fofana needed treatment after the contact, and the decision drew a hostile reaction from many Germany supporters in Toronto, Reuters reported. The news agency said more than 100,000 people of German ancestry live in the city, and Julian Nagelsmann’s side had strong backing in the stadium.

Germany later had another goal ruled out when Jamal Musiala was judged to have fouled Odilon Kossounou in the buildup, according to Reuters. At halftime, Germany had taken eight shots but had no goal to show for its pressure.

Kessie gives Ivory Coast the lead

Ivory Coast went in front after Yan Diomande attacked down the left and crossed, Reuters reported. Amad Diallo’s shot was stopped, and Kessie put in the rebound to give the West African side the advantage.

The goal extended Ivory Coast’s scoring run at the World Cup to seven matches, the longest such streak in the country’s history at the tournament, according to Reuters. Ivory Coast continued to threaten with quick attacking play after taking the lead.

Germany stayed in the game through its passing and eventually found a route back through Undav. Reuters reported that the striker has scored nine goals in his last eight matches.

Ivory Coast had a late opening through Simon Adingra, who got into the area but could not get a shot away, Reuters reported. Germany then broke forward, and Fofana stopped a low effort from Nathaniel Brown before Undav’s second goal settled the match.

Final group matches ahead

Germany will finish the group stage against Ecuador on Thursday in New Jersey, Reuters reported. Ivory Coast will play Curacao in Philadelphia as it tries to secure a place in the last 32.

This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.