Deniz Undav’s injury-time strike deep in stoppage time sealed Germany’s first progression from a World Cup group stage in 12 years, clinching a 2-1 comeback victory over Ivory Coast in Toronto. The Stuttgart forward, introduced on the hour, controlled Felix Nmecha’s pass with a sharp turn and fired a left-footed finish beyond Yahia Fofana to send the pro-German crowd of 43,000 into delirium. With six points from Group E, Julian Nagelsmann’s side guaranteed a place in the last 32, burying the frustrations of group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022.

The denouement belied a night of German frustration. Ivory Coast captain Franck Kessie gave the Elephants a 30th-minute lead, pouncing on a rebound after Amad Diallo’s close-range effort was blocked. Nineteen-year-old RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande tormented Joshua Kimmich with his pace to create the opener, electrifying pockets of orange-clad Ivorian supporters inside a largely Germany-supporting stadium. Germany twice had goals disallowed – Aleksandar Pavlovic for a foul on Fofana, and Kai Havertz after Jamal Musiala was judged to have pushed Odilon Kossounou – leaving Nagelsmann visibly frustrated as the hydration breaks appeared to favour the Africans.

The match swung on a triple substitution just after the hour. Nadiem Amiri and Undav combined eight minutes later: Amiri’s deep cross curled over the defence, and Undav met it with a crisp volley from six yards. The goal was his third of the tournament after coming off the bench, and it transformed Germany’s attacking rhythm. Ivory Coast, however, refused to retreat. Simon Adingra squandered a glaring chance in the 88th minute when, after Nicolas Pépé’s low cross found him unmarked, he took an extra touch and allowed Germany to scramble clear. Fofana then acrobatically denied Nathaniel Brown and Amiri in a frantic finale, but was helpless for Undav’s winner.

Analysts in Berlin highlighted the winning mentality praised by defender Jonathan Tah, who called Undav’s contribution “outstanding” and credited the substitutes’ energy. For Ivory Coast, the sting of defeat is tempered by the knowledge that victory over Curacao in their final group match will likely secure a historic first knockout appearance – an achievement that eluded the generation of Didier Drogba and the Touré brothers. Germany next face Ecuador in New Jersey, with Undav, on nine goals in his last eight international matches, now pushing for a starting role.