Deniz Undav scored twice after being subbed on in the second half as Germany defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 on Saturday and clinched a spot in the knockout phase at the World Cup for the first time since 2014.
Undav’s first goal of the match came after Nadiem Amiri sent in a long ball — that striker Kai Havertz let pass him by — onto the boot of Undav, who slammed it into the back of the net at the 68th minute. Both Amiri and Undav had subbed on eight minutes earlier.
Four-time champions Germany have come back from disappointing group stage exits in 2018 and 2022, while Ivory Coast are still searching for their first knockout stage appearance and could still qualify. The last time Germany got past the group stage they won the tournament in 2014.
Their goalkeeper on that occasion, Manuel Neuer, made more history on Saturday, making his 21st World Cup appearance to surpass France‘ Hugo Lloris as the goalkeeper with the most games played in the competition.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
