Overview
- Germany came from behind to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 on Saturday with Deniz Undav’s stoppage‑time winner, a result that clinched early qualification and top spot in Group E.
- Coach Julian Nagelsmann’s triple substitution — bringing on Undav, Nadiem Amiri and Jamie Leweling — was widely credited for changing the game and earned public praise from captain Joshua Kimmich.
- Center‑back Nico Schlotterbeck twisted his left ankle and was withdrawn at half‑time; an MRI is scheduled to assess a suspected ligament injury and he may miss the remaining matches because FIFA rules bar post‑first‑game squad replacements except for goalkeepers.
- Left‑back Nathaniel Brown has raised his profile further at the tournament as transfer interest from Bayern Munich and several Premier League clubs continues, with media valuations around €50–55m but no confirmed deal while the WM is under way.
- The match drew massive TV audiences — more than 18 million viewers on ZDF — and Germany now turns to its final group game against Ecuador on 25 June at the New‑York‑New‑Jersey Stadium with selection debates and injury updates to resolve.