Germany rallies past Ivory Coast 2-1 in Toronto to close in on World Cup last 16
Denis Undav scored twice as Germany came from behind to defeat Ivory Coast 2-1 at BMO Field, putting the 2014 champions on the cusp of a first knockout-phase appearance in 12 years.
Match turns in Germany's favour
Germany recovered from an early deficit to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in Toronto, securing a second win in Group E. Franck Kessié put the Ivorians ahead, but Denis Undav equalised and then struck a late winner to hand the Mannschaft three points.
The meeting was only the second between the two nations, the first a 2-2 friendly in 2009. Germany had opened their campaign with a 7-1 demolition of Curaçao, while Ivory Coast edged Ecuador 1-0 through an Amad Diallo goal.
Undav delivers off the bench
Undav, introduced as a substitute, levelled the score before prodding home the decisive goal in the closing minutes. The brace took Germany's tournament goal tally to nine, underlining their attacking depth.
Group E picture
Saturday's result means Germany sit top of the group with six points, almost certainly enough for a last-16 berth. Ivory Coast, still on three points, must now beat Curaçao on 25 June to keep their campaign alive. The Ivorians, coached by Emerse Faé, have not advanced beyond the group stage since 2014.
Broadcast and venue
Kick-off at BMO Field was at 22:00 Paris time, with M6 and beIN Sports 1 carrying the match in France. The stadium in Toronto, one of three host countries for the expanded 48-team tournament, will stage further fixtures later in the competition.
What comes next
Germany face Ecuador at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 25 June, while Ivory Coast take on Curaçao at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia the same evening. Both matches are scheduled for 22:00 Central European time.
