Overview
- Deniz Undav came off the bench to score an equaliser and a stoppage-time winner that turned a trailing game into a 2–1 victory for Germany against the Ivory Coast.
- In roughly 58 minutes across his first two World Cup appearances he has three goals and two assists, a rate that works out to about one direct goal contribution every 11 minutes.
- Nagelsmann said a start for Undav is “not excluded” but cautioned that changing his substitute role could break the forward’s current form and noted their earlier disagreement in March has been resolved.
- German columnists and pundits are divided: supporters argue Undav’s form and confidence justify a starting place, while opponents warn his impact has been strongest when introduced against tired defenders.
- The decision over Undav’s role is set to shape Germany’s approach for the next group match in East Rutherford and could influence the team’s momentum going into the knockout rounds.