Overview
- Deniz Undav came off the bench to score in the 68th minute and again in stoppage time to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 win for Germany in Toronto on Saturday.
- The victory secured Germany's place in the World Cup last 16 and ended the run of group-stage failures that followed their 2014 title era by reversing two straight early exits.
- Ivory Coast took the lead through captain Franck Kessié but must now beat Curaçao in their final group match to keep hopes of reaching the knockouts alive.
- Julian Nagelsmann’s second-half changes, including the introduction of Undav and Nadiem Amiri who provided the first assist, underscored the tournament value of impact substitutes; Felix Nmecha has also settled into a key midfield role after returning from injury.
- Off the field, Elye Wahi travelled to Canada while under a French probe into suspicious betting and remains allowed to play for now, and Spain faces pressure after a 0-0 opener with Lamine Yamal not yet fully fit.