Super-sub Deniz Undav was the hero, ending years of World Cup group-stage heartbreak for the four-time champions. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
Coach Julian Nagelsmann was thrilled by Germany's comeback victory against Ivory Coast on Saturday, but stopped short of celebrating his side advancing to the Fifa World Cup 2026 knockout stage for the first time since 2014.
"We have high ambitions," Nagelsmann said, when asked booking a place in the next round was something to celebrate.
"The most important topic for us is to focus on the next step," he said.
Germany failed to get out of the group stage both at Russia 2018 and four years ago in Qatar.
Saturday's dramatic win, secured in extra-time with a second goal from substitute Deniz Undav, guarantees the Germans will advance and snaps a streak of bitter World Cup disappointment for the four-time winners.
"This is exactly what we hoped for and I'm very happy for my team," Nagelsmann said.
He said that after his two-goal performance, Undav could make the starting XI in Germany's third group-stage match against Ecuador, but also stressed that the Stuttgart forward was thriving as a substitute.
"I could have him in the starting lineup," Nagelsmann said. "I think that every player would love to be in the starting lineup, but I think he's very happy as it is right now."
Franck Kessié put Ivory Coast ahead in the first half but the African side were largely on the defensive in the second half, ultimately unable to withstand the relentless German pressure. But the Elephants remain in a strong position to advance and could book Ivory Coast's first-ever ticket to the World Cup knockouts with a decisive win over Curaçao next week.
"We still have everything to play for," said Ivorian coach Emerse Faé.
"I'm really happy with the performance of my players during these 90 minutes ... I think we had two teams that deserved to win," he added. "Our primary objective is to get out of the group phase." | AFP