Undav brace helps Germany sink Ivory Coast in tense FIFA World Cup clash

The European giants started brightly and dominated possession with Kai Havertz goal bound header well saved by Yahia Fofana in the tenth minute before Aleksandar Pavlovic had a goal ruled out for a foul on the goalkeeper.

However, the Ivorians broke the deadlock at the half hour mark after captain Frank Kessie swept home a right footed finish to give them the lead heading into half time.

Germany toiled in the second stanza as they looked for an equalizer but were met with a resolute and disciplined Ivory Coast side until coach Julian Nagelsmann made an inspired triple change at the hour mark.

The Germans took the lead just seven minutes later with substitutes Nadiem Amiri and Deniz Undav combining for the equalizer after Amiri picked out the striker with a good cross.

Ivory Coast also made changes as they tried to preserve a point from the clash as the opposition increased the pressure in search of the winner.

Nathaniel Brown and Amiri came closest to scoring as the match approached full-time before Felix Nmecha fed Undav with a neat pass, with the VfB Stuttgart striker finishing with aplomb into the bottom corner for the winner.

The result sees Germany progress to the knockout round while the Ivorians remain in second spot ahead of the final round of group stage matches. 

READ MORE: The time George Weah ran out of patience with racism