Toronto (dpa) – Germany have reached the knockout stage of a FIFA World Cup for the first time since winning the title in 2014. Substitute striker Deniz Undav scored twice in a 2–1 victory over Côte d’Ivoire, securing Germany’s place in the round of 32. The result means the team coached by Julian Nagelsmann can no longer be overtaken in the race for qualification. Following the surprise 0–0 draw between outsiders Curaçao and Ecuador later in the day, Germany were also confirmed as winners of
Group E with a match to spare, ahead of Thursday’s final group game against Ecuador. Nagelsmann was praised by the international media, with the UK’s Daily Telegraph describing him as a “master of substitutions”. Alongside Undav, Nadiem Amiri and Jamie Leweling were brought on in the 60th minute. The bold triple substitution proved decisive, with Germany looking far more purposeful afterwards.
Germany, Côte d’Ivoire, Deniz Undav, Julian Nagelsmann, FIFA World Cup, Group E, round of 32, Curaçao, Ecuador