The stuns fans in epic clash | KickHour
By kicko | June 21, 2026
TORONTO — super-sub Deniz Undav scored a breathtaking 94th-minute winner to secure Germany a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Ivory Coast at Toronto Stadium, booking their spot in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32. Julian Nagelsmann’s side overcame immense frustration in a chaotic first half where the referee controversially disallowed two German goals for alleged fouls in the buildup. The match turned completely against the run of play in the 30th minute when Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessié capitalised on a lapse in the German defense, firing a low strike past Marc-André ter Stegen to give the African nation a shock 1-0 lead at halftime.
Desperate to avoid the ghosts of Germany's recent early tournament exits, Nagelsmann made a decisive tactical gamble in the 60th minute by introducing a triple substitution that completely altered the game's momentum. The move paid immediate dividends just eight minutes later when fellow substitute Nadiem Amiri floated a precise cross into the box, allowing Undav to smash a brilliant volley into the roof of the net for the equaliser. The final moments delivered ultimate World Cup theater deep into stoppage time, as Felix Nmecha threaded a sharp pass to Undav, who swiftly turned his marker and drilled home the winner to spark wild celebrations on the German bench.
With six points from their opening two matches, Germany has officially exorcised their 2018 and 2022 group-stage demons by qualifying for the knockout rounds with a game to spare. Ivory Coast fought valiantly but now faces a must-win final group match to keep their tournament hopes alive. Meanwhile, Die Mannschaft will travel to New York on June 25 to face Ecuador in a highly anticipated clash that will decide who tops Group E.
