Ivory Coast looked on course for a famous victory before Germany staged a dramatic late comeback to claim a 2-1 win in an enthralling FIFA World Cup encounter.
The Elephants weathered an early German storm, with goalkeeper Yahia Fofana producing a magnificent save in the 10th minute to keep out Kai Havertz’s powerful header after an inch-perfect cross from Joshua Kimmich.
Germany thought they had broken the deadlock in the 22nd minute when the ball found the back of the net from a corner kick. However, the celebrations were cut short after the referee ruled out the goal for a foul by Aleksandar Pavlovic on Fofana during the aerial challenge.
Having survived two major scares, Ivory Coast capitalised on their opportunity in the 30th minute. A dangerous cross from the left by Diomande found Diallo, whose initial effort was blocked by Brown. The rebound fell kindly to Franck Kessie, who reacted quickest to smash the ball home and hand the Ivorians a 1-0 lead.
Germany continued to press for an equaliser and had another goal ruled out for offside before the break, allowing Ivory Coast to head into halftime with their slender advantage intact.
The Germans finally found a breakthrough in the 68th minute. Nadiem Amiri delivered a curling cross to the far post where Deniz Undav arrived unmarked to guide an excellent finish beyond Fofana, levelling the contest at 1-1.
With six minutes of added time signalled, Germany refused to settle for a draw and committed bodies forward in search of a winner. While Ivory Coast threatened on the counterattack, it was the Europeans who found the decisive moment.
Deep into stoppage time, Felix Nmecha threaded a superb pass into the penalty area for Undav, who kept his composure to beat Fofana and complete his brace, sealing a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory for Germany.
The result sends Germany through to the knockout stages, while Ivory Coast will rue missed opportunities after leading for much of the contest before late heartbreak.
