TORONTO — Currently, aside from Erling Haaland, Deniz Undav stands out as one of the best strikers in international football based on his goals-per-game ratio. Germany urgently needed his brilliance in Saturday’s match.
Undav stepped up for an average German side, scoring two crucial second-half goals after being subbed in, bringing his impressive tally to nine goals in just 11 appearances for the national team. He is currently one of the top scorers in this World Cup, tied with Lionel Messi and Jonathan David at three goals, all of which he scored as a substitute.
This tournament has showcased numerous impressive “super subs,” but Undav has undoubtedly been the standout performer so far.
More than just his goals, Undav’s contributions were pivotal in overturning Germany’s 1-0 deficit and securing their path in Group E. Despite a strong showing, Ivory Coast had numerous scoring opportunities and certainly deserved better than a defeat. This victory represents Germany’s first safe passage to the knockout rounds since the 2014 World Cup, a milestone they owe largely to Undav’s performance.
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In both 2018 and 2022, Germany faced humiliating exits in the group stage. While a top group finish isn’t guaranteed just yet, Saturday’s win was a significant step towards that goal ahead of their upcoming match against Ecuador.
As for Germany’s potential in 2026, that’s a much tougher question. They struggled against Ivory Coast, finding themselves behind after a powerful shot from Franck Kessié gave the Elephants an early lead. Their overwhelming 7-1 victory over Curaçao in the opener may not have accurately reflected their capabilities against stronger opposition, as Ivory Coast managed to apply considerable pressure on Julian Nagelsmann’s side.
The Germans’ 4-2-3-1 setup appeared overly rigid and predictable, leading to frustrating stretches of uninspired play. Although they dominated possession with 60%, they struggled to convert opportunities into goals, having two strikes ruled out for fouls. Consistency in midfield eluded them throughout the match.
In a decisive move, Nagelsmann opted for a tactical overhaul, which proved effective.
During the 60th minute, Nagelsmann made a bold switch, bringing in Deniz Undav alongside Nadiem Amiri and Jamie Leweling. The aggressive direction signaled by these substitutions soon bore fruit as Germany transitioned to a more offensive strategy, eliminating their previously existing defensive midfield presence.
Undav’s prowess was evident as he scored just eight minutes into his appearance, volleying an Amiri cross past goalkeeper Yahia Fofana. He capped off his remarkable performance by scoring the game-winner in stoppage time, skillfully turning and unleashing a powerful shot that sealed the victory for Germany.
Approaching 30, with his birthday on July 19, coinciding with the World Cup final, Undav is coming into his own following a remarkable club season where he netted 25 goals and contributed 14 assists in 46 matches, including 19 goals in 29 Bundesliga games, helping Stuttgart return to the UEFA Champions League.
While Undav’s performance was impressive, it was a tough outcome for Ivory Coast. They demonstrated the ability to challenge Kimmich & Co. and underscored that they should not be underestimated in this World Cup. A draw would have been a more fitting result given their efforts, and they might have clinched a win if Simon Adingra had struck early from Nicolas Pépé‘s assist. Nevertheless, coach Emerse Faé can take away plenty of positives from their performance. They remain in a strong position to qualify, as their last group match is against Curaçao, and they could still finish at the top of the group should Germany lose to Ecuador.
Ivory Coast showcased not only tactical and technical maturity but also a well-organized team under Faé, blending individual talents like Yan Diomande, Amad Diallo, and a standout performance from 20-year-old Christ Inao Oulaï, along with seasoned players like Sangaré, Kessié, Singo, and Kossonou, into a cohesive physical team that excels in their preferred 4-3-3 formation. Their speed and skill on the wings were evident during their goal against Germany, initiating from Diomandé’s successful maneuver against Joshua Kimmich, culminating in a cross that Kessié finished.
This squad is beautifully diverse, with eight players (including the coach) hailing from France, while others have progressed through local academies such as ASEC Abidjan. Many sought opportunities across Europe to pursue professional soccer careers, and Faé’s expertise has unified them into a solid team.
Could Ivory Coast in 2026 emulate Morocco’s success in 2022? Their performance, despite Saturday’s setback, raises the possibility.