By Tomiwa Jagunna
Germany secured their passage to the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast at Toronto Stadium, thanks to a stunning late brace from substitute Deniz Undav.
The Elephants drew first blood in the 30th minute when Franck Kessié calmly finished from close range after a swift attacking move. Germany struggled to break down Ivory Coast’s disciplined defence for much of the game before Undav levelled matters in the 68th minute. With the match heading for a draw, the striker struck again deep into stoppage time, finding the winner in the 94th minute to complete a dramatic German comeback.
The victory continued Germany’s impressive start to Group E and highlighted the depth of Julian Nagelsmann’s squad. Despite controlling possession and creating several chances, the four-time world champions were repeatedly frustrated by an energetic Ivory Coast side that looked capable of claiming a valuable point.
However, Undav’s impact from the bench proved decisive as Germany maintained their perfect record and confirmed their place in the knockout rounds with a game to spare.
Elsewhere, the Netherlands delivered one of the standout performances of the tournament with a dominating 5-1 victory over Sweden following an all Premier League star’s frenzy. Brian Brobbey’s opener in the 5th and 17th minute put the Dutch in the driving seat, while Cody Gakpo incensed the deficit by scoring twice in 47th and 54minute.
Antony Elanga pulled on back for Sweden in the 59th minute but Crysencio Summerville put the icing on the cake in the 89th minute increasing the lead by four goals, as the Dutch attack overwhelmed their Scandinavian opponents.
