Behind one, then two ‘super subs’; After 12 years, the German army crossed that barrier – Germany vs Ivory Coast FIFA World Cup 2026

Toronto ∙ Germany has finally broken its 12-year ‘curse’. After winning the World Cup in 2014, the German team, who were knocked out in the subsequent two World Cups, crossed that barrier by defeating the Ivory Coast at the Toronto Stadium. After trailing by one goal in the first half, Germany scored two goals in the second half to capture a dramatic 2-1 victory. The architect of Germany’s success is super sub Denis Undau who came on as a substitute and scored a double.

Germany dominated possession and attack from the start. But the Ivory Coast, who effectively resisted the German attacks, shook them with counter-attacks. In the 10th minute, Kai Havertz’s beautiful header from captain Joshua Kimmisch’s pass was saved by Ivory Coast goalkeeper Yahya Fofana’s diving save. Germany hit the net for the first time in the 21st minute, thrilling the 43,000 fans in Toronto.

Alexander Pavlovic scored from a corner kick. But just before the goal was scored, the referee disallowed the goal as Warr found that the Ivory Coast had fouled the goalie. Ivory Coast was shocked after nine minutes. Amad Diallo’s shot was eventually blocked by Manuel Neuer after Yann Diomande’s quick move, but captain Frank Kessie headed home the rebound to give Ivory Coast the lead. The moment left the German, the stars and the fans alike stunned. Germany–0, Ivory Coast–1.

Later in the 38th minute, Arsenal star and German forward Kai Havertz put the ball into the net but it was also disallowed due to a foul by Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala. As the second half began, Germany began to press hard. Ivory Coast’s strong defense held out until the 68th minute, but Germany finally broke through. In the 68th minute, Denis Undav pulled one back for Germany with a fierce volley after receiving a lovely cross from substitute Nadim Amiri.

After this, both teams strived for the winning goal. Ivory Coast suffered a setback in the 89th minute when Simon Adingra failed to control the ball in the German box after receiving a pass from Nicolas Pepe. Germany’s winning goal came five minutes later in injury time. In the 90+4th minute, Denis Undav received Felix Nemecha’s incisive through pass inside the box, turned and fired a clinical shot past Fofana and into the left corner of the net. Goal! Undau’s double, Germany’s winning goal.

Germany thrashed the young Curaçao 7-1 in the first match, securing qualification for the round of 32 (knockout) with 6 points from Group E with their second straight win. The move is a huge relief and a strong comeback for Germany, who were knocked out at the group stage in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Germany’s final match in the group stage is against Ecuador.