Germany beats Ivory Coast in added time to reach knockout stage

Bibhash Lodh, BS News Agency: Germany secured a place in the knockout stage of the World Cup with a dramatic 2-1 win over Ivory Coast at Toronto Stadium. Substitute forward Denis Undav scored a brace in the dying moments of the match to give the team a stunning victory. Germany was on the offensive from the start of the match. In the 10th minute, Kai Havertz's header from Joshua Kimmich's cross was saved by Ivory Coast goalkeeper Yahya Fofana. In the 18th minute, Germany's wait for a goal increased when Jamal Musiala's shot went wide. Germany erupted in jubilation when the ball went into the net from a corner in the 21st minute. However, the referee disallowed the goal after Aleksandar Pavlovich fouled the goalkeeper.

Germany put up pressure but fell behind in the 30th minute. Amad Diallo's shot was blocked by defender Brown and captain Frank Kacey scored into an empty net. The four-time world champions then desperately tried to equalise. Havertz sent the ball into the net, but it was also disallowed due to a foul. As a result, Germany went into the break trailing at the end of the first half.

Denis Undav changed the pace of the match as a substitute in the second half. He equalised with a great volley from Nadiem Amiri's cross in the 68th minute. Then, both teams wasted several chances towards the end of the match. The match reached its climax when Ivory Coast missed a goal in the 88th minute.

Undav struck again in the 94th minute of added time.

He pushed the ball into the net from a pass from Felix Enmecher in the space inside the box, ensuring Germany's 2-1 victory. Germany, who won the match with a brace from Undav, have qualified for the knockout stage from the top of Group E. On the other hand, Ivory Coast is in second place with three points.