Germany vs Côte d'Ivoire: Winners & losers - Undav completes stunning late comeback

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GOAL

·20 June 2026

Germany vs Côte d'Ivoire: Winners & losers - Undav completes stunning late comeback

Germany produced a dramatic late comeback to beat Côte d'Ivoire 2–1 in their World Cup Group E clash, with substitute Deniz Undav scoring both goals after Franck Kessié had given the Africans the lead in the 30th minute. Julian Nagelsmann's triple substitution at the hour mark proved decisive as Undav equalized at 68 minutes before striking the winner at 90+4 minutes. GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from Germany v Côte d'Ivoire.

Winners

Deniz Undav (Germany)

Deniz Undav delivered one of the great substitute performances in World Cup history. Entering the match at 60 minutes with Germany trailing 1–0, the Stuttgart striker scored twice to complete a stunning comeback. His brace ensured Germany claimed all three points and moved closer to qualification from Group E.

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Undav's first goal arrived just eight minutes after his introduction. Nadiem Amiri delivered a cross from the right and Undav met it with a left-footed finish past Yahia Fofana. He also forced a double save from the goalkeeper at 86 minutes with a powerful strike from distance, showing his determination to find the winner.

The decisive moment came at 90+4 minutes. Felix Nmecha threaded a pass into the penalty area and Undav controlled it, turned sharply, and struck a left-footed shot past Fofana. That goal completed the comeback and secured Germany's second consecutive victory in the tournament.

Yahia Fofana (Côte d'Ivoire)

Yahia Fofana produced a goalkeeping display that deserved a better outcome for Côte d'Ivoire. The shot-stopper made crucial saves throughout the match, denying Germany on multiple occasions as they pressed for an equalizer and winner. Without his interventions, the scoreline could have been far heavier.

Fofana's save catalogue was extensive. He denied Florian Wirtz twice in the first half, stopped Undav's powerful strike from distance at 86 minutes with a double save, kept out Joshua Kimmich's left-footed effort at 89 minutes, and turned away Nadiem Amiri's close-range attempt at 90+1 minutes.

Despite his heroics, Fofana could do little about either Undav goal, particularly the close-range finish in stoppage time that completed the comeback. His performance kept Côte d'Ivoire competitive until the final moments and gave his team every chance of securing a historic result.

Loser

Simon Adingra (Côte d'Ivoire)

Simon Adingra's missed opportunity at 88 minutes will haunt him as the moment that could have changed everything. Nicolas Pépé released him with a through ball that would have put Côte d'Ivoire back in front, but his poor first touch cost him the chance and allowed Germany to recover possession.

The wasted opportunity proved pivotal in the context of the match. With the score level at 1–1 and just minutes remaining, converting that chance would likely have secured all three points for Côte d'Ivoire. Instead, the substitute squandered the best opening his team had created since taking the lead.

Adingra struggled to make any other meaningful impact after replacing Amad Diallo in the 75th minute. His performance became defined by that single costly moment, and Germany took full advantage by scoring the winner just six minutes after his miss.