Germany have two first-half goals rightly ruled out against Côte d'Ivoire | OneFootball

Germany endured a frustrating opening period against Côte d'Ivoire in World Cup Group E, with two goals chalked off.

L'Équipe reports a frustrating opening half for Germany.

Aleksandar Pavlovic thought he had put Germany ahead in the 22nd minute from a corner. Rising in the box, the midfielder headed goalwards but collided with keeper Yahia Fofana as he advanced. Fofana diverted the ball into his own net, only for referee Benitez to rule a foul by Pavlovic.

Côte d'Ivoire then punished Germany. Franck Kessié pounced on a loose ball in the area to open the scoring in the 30th minute.

Kai Havertz believed he had levelled in the 39th minute after a scrappy sequence. Jamal Musiala had won the ball by fouling Emmanuel Agbadou near the edge of the Ivorian area, which freed Florian Wirtz to cut in from the left and round Fofana before setting up a first-time left-foot finish. The referee brought play back for Musiala’s infringement, leaving Germany behind at half-time.

Source: L'Équipe