Undav's stoppage-time goal gives Germany win over Ivory Coast to top group

Deniz Undav scored two goals off the bench as Germany pulled off a thrilling comeback to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in their World Cup Group E match on Saturday, securing their place in the knockout stage for the first time since they won the title in 2014.

After having two goals disallowed in the first half, Germany did not lose focus and used intricate passing to find their way, while the West Africans produced their dynamic brand of attacking football in a wild Group E clash.

Undav levelled the score with a controlled volleyed finish in the 68th minute and struck again when he received a pass on the turn, before swivelling and firing home a ball that goalkeeper Yahia Fofana had no chance of stopping. The versatile striker now has nine goals in his last eight matches.

Ivory Coast had opened the scoring in the first half when Franck Kessie slotted home a rebound off a shot by Amad Diallo. The goal extended Ivory Coast's streak of scoring in consecutive World Cup matches to seven – the longest such run in their history.

With more than 100,000 people of German ancestry living in Toronto, Julian Nagelsmann's men enjoyed plenty of support but were frustrated at halftime with nothing to show for their eight attempts on goal. Germany thought they had taken the lead when Aleksandar Pavlovic rose to meet a short corner in the 25th minute, but was deemed to have fouled Fofana. Later, Jamal Musiala's goal was also disallowed for a foul.

Germany top Group E with six points and have advanced to the round of 32, while Ivory Coast remain on three points. Germany will face Ecuador in New Jersey on Thursday, while Ivory Coast take on Curacao in Philadelphia.