By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@APPhoto.
Deniz Undav’s 94th-minute goal clinched a come-from-behind 2-1 victory for Germany against Ivory Coast in Group E to send them into the World Cup knockout stages.
Germany had inflicted a six-goal thrashing on Curacao in their opening game of the tournament, but faced defeat at Toronto Stadium after Franck Kessie scored in the 30th minute.
Ivory Coast were full value for their advantage, but Julian Nagelsmann’s mid-game tweaks turned the tide in the favour of Germany after substitutes Nadiem Amiri and Undav combined for a 68th-minute leveller before the latter struck deep into stoppage time to claim the points.
The dejected Ivorians can still progress from Group E behind Germany with a win against World Cup debutants Curacao in their final game.
Germany top Group E with six points and are through to the last 32 while Ivory Coast remain on three after two matches. Curacao pulled off a stunning defensive showing to hold Ecuador to a 0-0 draw to earn their first World Cup point.
“We had exactly what it takes to succeed in a tournament, a winning mentality, team spirit,” said German defender Jonathan Tah. “We didn’t give up; we just kept going.
“The guys coming off the bench brought new energy to the game. Deniz deserves special mention. He was outstanding.”
Germany will close out the group stage against Ecuador on Thursday in New Jersey while Ivory Coast face Curacao in Philadelphia.
Meanwhile Japan marked the 1,000th match in World Cup history with a commanding 4-0 win over Tunisia in Group F on Saturday, as Ayase Ueda scored twice to send the North Africans out.