Deniz Undav came off the bench and scored a goal Germany for the second World Cup consecutive games, making it a double as Die Mannschaft came from behind to beat the spirited Ivory Coast side in Toronto.
Franck Kessie gave the Elephants a first-half lead, while teenager Ian Diamande gave Germany something to think about as the African side made good on their advantage.
But Julian Nagelsmann’s side, who had two goals canceled out before half-time, eventually fought back through Undav’s brace – including a 94th-minute winner – to ensure Germany progressed to the knockout stages for the first time since winning the cup in 2014.
Ivory Coast, who beat Ecuador 1-0 in their opening game, will take a lot of confidence into their game and believe they can qualify for the next round for the first time in their history.
The elephants stun the team
Germany made a bright start and went close in the first 10 minutes when Kai Havertz met Joshua Kimmich’s spot-kick, but Yahya Fofana headed home in the Ivory Coast goal.
Felix Nmechi’s deflected shot went inches over the bar and Aleksandar Pavlovic’s header from the resulting corner was called out for a foul on Fofana.
But just when Germany looked most likely to break the deadlock, Ivory Coast opened the scoring just before the half-hour mark.
Diamond, a 19-year-old who is being watched by Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain, showed his talent by beating Kimmich to the byline before sending a dangerous ball across the box.
In the ensuing melee, Amado’s shot was first blocked by Nathanial Brown, but Cassie was on hand to give the youngest team at this World Cup a shock lead at the second attempt.
Germany were then awarded another goal when Havertz rolled the ball into the net before the referee called play back for an apparent foul in the build-up.
Exciting second half
With the Ivory Coast leading at half-time, they went in search of a second after the restart and talented youngster Chris Inaa struck just when he perhaps should have done better.
The Ivorians played an inspired game, limiting Germany to half chances and pot shots from distance.
That was before the introduction of Undav from the bench. The striker opened the scoring for the second consecutive game with a close-range strike in the 68th minute after fellow substitute Nadiem Amiri equalised.
As the game started late on, Ivory Coast squandered a great chance when Simon Odingra hesitated too long with an open goal, taking a shot when he should have taken it the first time.
At the other end, Fofana saved Brown’s goal before the Ivorian keeper was again called into action to deny Undavo a goal.
But Undawa would not be denied for a second, turning expertly away from Nmechi’s cross before heading home to complete the comeback in stoppage time.
