Germany Was Being Outplayed, Then Deniz Undav Made a Move That Sent Them to the Last 32

Did you just see that?! Seriously, if you weren't tuned into Germany versus Ivory Coast, you missed absolute pandemonium at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada. Deniz Undav, the substitute, went full hero, banging in a goal in the 94th minute to snatch a wild 2-1 victory! We're talking last gasp, heart-stopping drama, folks. Germany was absolutely floundering for much of this match, but that late strike? That's their ticket, secured to the Last 32 of the 2026 World Cup!

Barely Breathing at Halftime

Let's rewind, because this game was a rollercoaster. After Germany absolutely blasted Curaçao 7-1 in their opening Group E match, sending shockwaves through the tournament, everyone expected them to roll. Their starting lineup had zero changes from that dominant win. But the Ivory Coast had other plans. They were already camping up in Germany's half, and it was a tough watch. Germany conceded first in the 30th minute, typical, right? Then Aleksandar Pavlovic scored, but it was disallowed for a foul. Havertz even netted one in the 39th, but the ref foolishly thought an Ivorian dive was a tackle. Unbelievable! Manuel Neuer actually made a save, plucking a curler from the top corner, which felt like a miracle. By halftime, Germany was being outplayed

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and didn't have an answer. The attack was just "okay," and one attacker was definitely "not okay." Florian Wirtz found space but his shot was saved, and Leroy Sane missed an easy pass. What a mess.

Undav to the Rescue

The second half started with Antonio Rudiger coming on for Schlotterbeck, and you hoped for a difference. But nope, Germany still couldn't do anything in attack by the 53rd minute. Julian Nagelsmann then made his moves, bringing off Sane, Musiala, and Pavlovic for Jamie Leweling, Deniz Undav, and Nadiem Amiri in the 60th. And thank goodness he did! Kai Havertz's header went wide in the 63rd, a sign of their continued struggles. But then, in the 68th minute, TOR! It was Undav, the sub, who finally scored, waking Germany up! Nathaniel Brown nearly scored what would have been the winner in the 89th, and Amiri had a tame shot saved as six minutes were added on. The tension was insane. Then, at 90+4', Undav secured Germany's ticket to the Last 32! What a turnaround from a team that looked lost for so long. What a finish, right? This 2-1 win, kicking off at 1:00 PM PDT, was a massive test after the Curaçao demolition. And while they passed, barely, they're heading to the Last 32. It's Germany time, baby! Now we wait to see who they face next, but for now, let's just rewatch that Undav goal, because that's what we live for!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.