Germany secured their spot in the World Cup knockout stages for the first time in over a decade with a thrilling 2-1 win against Côte d’Ivoire on Saturday. After Franck Kessié put Les Éléphants ahead in the 30th minute, Deniz Undav answered back with an equalizer in the 68th minute and a dramatic winner in stoppage time.
This victory brought the four-time champions to six points, although the youthful Ivorian team presented a far more formidable challenge than their previous 7-1 triumph over Curaçao.
Historically, Germany has never faced elimination in the group stages before 2018, holding the record for reaching 13 semi-finals, a feat only Brazil closely approaches with 11. However, their past two tournaments resulted in their worst performances, with early exits in both Russia and Qatar.
The tournament’s expansion to 48 teams, allowing 32 to progress to the knockout rounds, seemed unlikely to hinder Julian Nagelsmann’s squad, yet concerns lingered regarding the current team’s form and cohesion.
Before their journey to the United States, questions arose about the lack of a standout striker, the consistency of players like Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz, injuries to Serge Gnabry and Lennart Karl, and the return of 40-year-old Manuel Neuer from nearly two years of retirement to address the goalkeeper issue. Additionally, Nagelsmann’s managerial acumen has been under scrutiny.
There was also a palpable disconnect between the German public and the national team, with minimal enthusiasm surrounding their performance in the tournament.
The unchanged German lineup seemed eager to replicate their previous offensive display, nearly scoring just 15 seconds into the match when Kai Havertz’s shot soared high. More opportunities followed, including a well-placed header from Havertz that was spectacularly saved by Yahia Fofana, and Musiala’s effort that curled wide from the edge of the box.
In the 21st minute, Felix Nmecha’s powerful shot was deflected over the goal, and during the subsequent corner, Aleksandar Pavlović appeared to have scored but was ruled offside after colliding with Fofana while airborne. As the goalkeeper received treatment, players took the opportunity for a drink.
However, Paraguayan referee Juan Gabriel Benítez deemed it not the right moment for hydration, which led to a chorus of jeers from the crowd when he finally called for a drinks break shortly after. The idyllic lakeside weather suggested no special allowances were necessary for player welfare.
This interruption seemed to shift the game’s dynamics. In the 30th minute, 19-year-old Yan Diomande, a standout for Côte d’Ivoire, received the ball on the left flank and delivered a low cross to Amad Diallo. Despite the Manchester United forward’s struggle to control the ball, Kessié was on hand to finish the rebound and put his team ahead.
Germany’s response was immediate, as a second disallowed goal injected urgency into their play. Musiala’s foul on Odilon Kossounou led to a counterattack that resulted in Havertz scoring, only for it to be ruled out. Côte d’Ivoire’s strategy to draw pressure from the Germans nearly paid off, with swift counterattacks keeping the match tense.
Germany’s growing frustration was exemplified by a long-range shot from Antonio Rüdiger that sailed into the stands. However, Nagelsmann’s triple substitution in the second half reinvigorated the squad.
With increased pressure on the Ivorian goal, Undav finally broke through in the 69th minute after connecting with a cross from substitute Nadiem Amiri, volleying it home from close range. The momentum shifted as Côte d’Ivoire seemed less threatening.
In a chaotic finish, Côte d’Ivoire nearly clinched a late equalizer when Simon Adingra hesitated and missed a prime opportunity. At the other end, Fofana denied Brown, and Amiri’s open chance was also thwarted. Eventually, Undav found the net again, sealing the win and bringing relief to the predominantly German crowd.
Germany boasts a proud tradition as a “turniermannschaft,” specializing in tournament play. Their return to the knockout stages for the first time since their 2014 victory is a significant milestone for the team.
