Diomande produces big moment but RBL duo celebrate late winner | OneFootball

Yan Diomande bursts into life in the 30th minute. Released down the left, the RBL attacker accelerates away, beats Germany captain Joshua Kimmich with a clever drop of the shoulder and drills a low ball across goal from the byline.

One quick glance is all Yan needs to spot Amad Diallo waiting near the penalty spot and pick him out perfectly.

The Manchester United winger’s effort is blocked by Nathaniel Brown, but the ball falls to Franck Kessié. The midfielder keeps his composure and guides it into the bottom corner to put Ivory Coast ahead.

Nagelsmann: “Once he gets going, he’s almost impossible to defend against”

Ivory Coast were ahead and did not let up, continuing to cause Germany problems in front of around 43,000 fans in Toronto. Head coach Emerse Faé was pleased with how his side executed their game plan: “It was a very high-quality game. We carried out our plan exactly as intended for long periods and had chances to double our lead. Against a top side like Germany, it ultimately comes down to fine margins.”

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann also picked out Yan’s run in the build-up to the goal during his post-match interview with ZDF: “We gave him too much space and were a fraction late to close him down. Once he gets going, he’s almost impossible to defend against.”

Wearing Drogba’s number

Yan’s shirt number alone reflects his growing importance to his country. The 19-year-old wore number 26 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, but has been handed number 11 at the World Cup – the number made famous by Ivory Coast legend Didier Drogba.

“Didier was a powerful striker who scored a lot of goals. I believe Yan can one day become an Ivory Coast icon just like Didier,” Claudio Pizarro commented during a recent visit to Leipzig, where he presented Yan with his Bundesliga Rookie of the Season award.

Yan switched flanks after half time. Having faced Kimmich down the left before the break, he went up against Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nathaniel Brown on the right in the second half.

Yan produced plenty of good moments before being withdrawn in the 85th minute, but none was more important than his role in the opening goal. He registered 16 duels, seven dribbles, two chances created and one shot in his second World Cup appearance.

“Decisive clash with Curaçao”

From the bench, Yan watched Germany snatch all three points late on and book their place in the round of 32 with a game to spare.

Substitute Deniz Undav first headed home the equaliser (68’) before securing the victory for Germany following an excellent pass from Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha (90’+4). Assan Ouédraogo and David Raum, who were unused substitutes on Saturday evening, joined in the celebrations after the final whistle and congratulated the Stuttgart striker on his match-winning brace.

Germany face Ecuador at 22:00 CEST on Thursday, while Ivory Coast take on Curaçao at the same time. Yan and his teammates will be looking to secure a win and seal their own passage into the round of 32.

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