Tah after an emotional DFB victory: „We never gave up“ | OneFootball

Germany also won its second group stage match at the World Cup and has already advanced to the round of 16. After the late 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast, Jonathan Tah particularly highlighted the team’s mentality.

The German national team has passed its first real test at the World Cup. Following a convincing 7-1 victory over Curaçao in their opener, Julian Nagelsmann’s team defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 on Friday evening.

Deniz Undav was the match winner. The forward first scored the equalizer in the 68th minute and then netted the much-celebrated winning goal in stoppage time. With this victory, the DFB squad secured its spot in the Round of 32 after just two group stage matches.

For Jonathan Tah, the victory was above all a testament to the team’s mentality. “That was a victory of mental strength and team spirit. We never gave up. We kept pushing and knew they would get tired. The players who came off the bench brought tremendous energy,” the center back explained after the match on Magenta TV.

Tah Praises Match-Winner Undav

Deniz Undav in particular received special praise from Tah. The forward had practically single-handedly led the German team to victory with his two-goal performance.

“Deniz has once again shown just how important he is when he comes off the bench,” Tah emphasized.

In fact, the Stuttgart player decisively changed the course of the game after coming on. While Germany struggled for a long time to find a way past the physically strong and disciplined defense of the Ivory Coast, Undav turned the tide with his presence and efficiency.

Germany Already in the Knockout Round

Despite the victory, Tah made it clear that the team had by no means underestimated their opponent’s performance: “We knew it would be a tough game, because the Ivory Coast can play at a very high level. We have to keep it up.”

Following disappointing World Cup campaigns in 2018 and 2022, Germany has thus advanced to the knockout stage after just two group stage matches.

Photo: IMAGO

In the final group match against Ecuador, the main goal is now to finish first in the group. In any case, confidence is likely to have grown even further following the late victory in Toronto. Nagelsmann was likely particularly pleased with the way the team fought back.

Tah emphasized exactly this point: Germany remained patient, believed in its chances until the very end—and was rewarded with the late victory.