Deniz Undav entered the Group E clash against Ivory Coast as a late substitute and flipped a 1‑0 deficit into a 2‑1 win. He netted the equaliser eight minutes after stepping onto the pitch, volleying Nadiem Amiri’s cross beyond Yahia Fofana, then struck the stoppage‑time winner to seal all three points.

The Stuttgart striker now boasts nine goals in 11 internationals, a ratio that eclipses every World Cup forward except Erling Haaland. His tally of three goals makes him co‑top scorer alongside Lionel Messi and Jonathan David, all scored off the bench. Germany’s 60‑minute dominance followed three tactical changes that swapped defensive midfielder Aleksandar Pavlović for creative attackers, turning a possession‑rich but stagnant side into a direct threat.

Coach Julian Nagelsmann’s gamble paid off, rescuing Germany’s first guaranteed knockout berth since the 2014 Brazil tournament. Ivory Coast, despite a disciplined 4‑3‑3 display and early lead from Franck Kessié, will need a win over Curaçao to stay in contention. Germany now heads into the Ecuador match with momentum and a proven super‑sub in Undav.