Group E: Undav double sends Germany past Ivory Coast, Curacao hold Ecuador to goalless draw

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 encounter at Toronto Stadium. “This is a really important victory,” said versatile striker Undav, who now has nine goals in his last eight matches. “We showed great character today.” Undav levelled the score with a controlled, volleyed finish in the 68th minute and struck again in stoppage time when he received a pass on the turn, before swivelling and firing home a ball that Yahia Fofana had no chance at stopping. Simon Adingra had a late chance for Ivory Coast but he failed to get a shot off in the area before Germany charged back down the field where Fofana blocked a low shot from Nathaniel Brown. The loss denied, at least for now, Ivory Coast the chance of securing their first trip to the knockout stages. “We wanted to make the history today,” said Ivory Coast winger Amad Diallo. “But I think everything was a little tight.” UNFAMILIAR HALFTIME DEFICIT FOR GERMANY Ivory Coast had opened the scoring in the first half when Franck Kessie slotted home a rebound off a shot by Amad on a play created when Yan Diomande charged down the left side and sent in a cross. With more than 100,000 people of German ancestry living in Toronto, Julian Nagelsmann’s men enjoyed plenty of support but were a frustrated group at the interval with nothing to show for their eight attempts on goal. It was definitely unfamiliar territory for Germany as it marked only the fourth time they have faced a half-time deficit in their last 36 contests at the global showpiece. But after the break a more active German side showed up, one that took more risks and were determined to dedicate everything in their effort to win. “In the end, we deservedly won it,” Nagelsmann told reporters. “The boys invested a lot. I’m very happy for the whole team.” GERMANY SAW TWO GOALS CALLED BACK Germany looked to have opened the scoring when midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic rose to meet a short corner in the 25th minute but was deemed to have fouled Fofana in the process. The ruling left Pavlovic with his hands atop his head in disbelief while Fofana received some attention after the collision and the partisan German crowd made their disdain for the referee’s decision known. Shortly after it was Ivory Coast who finally broke through with Kessie’s goal. The West Africans have scored in their last seven matches at the tournament – the longest such sequence on the global stage in their history. Germany once again put the ball in the back of the net but their celebrations were cut short as the referee determined that Jamal Musiala had fouled Odilon Kossounou in the build-up. “We had exactly what it takes to succeed in a tournament, a winning mentality, team spirit,” said German defender Jonathan Tah. “We didn’t give up; we just kept going. “The guys coming off the bench brought new energy to the game. Deniz deserves special mention. He was outstanding.” Keeper Room shines as Curacao hold Ecuador for historic World Cup draw Tiny Curacao battled to a 0-0 draw with Ecuador to earn the first World Cup point in the Caribbean island’s history on Saturday after an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Eloy Room enabled them to celebrate a landmark day. Six days after being humbled 7-1 by Germany on their World Cup debut, Curacao — the smallest nation ever to reach the finals with a population of about 156,000 — produced a resilient display to frustrate the South Americans and keep alive their hopes of reaching the knockout stage. Room was the standout figure, making 15 saves and just missing out on the World Cup record of 16 by American Tim Howard in 2014, as they withstood sustained pressure before earning a result that ranks among the finest in their sporting history. The draw that confirmed Germany as Group E winners was a blow for Ecuador — who arrived at the tournament on a 19-game unbeaten run — and their fans, who were left deflated as chances went begging, leaving them with a point from two games.