Germany pulled off a dramatic comeback in Toronto on Tuesday night. Denis Undav's stoppage-time strike gave them a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in a World Cup qualifier.
It was the first competitive clash between these two nations. The Ivorians started brightly and took the lead through Franck Kessie in the opening half.
Germany's Paplovic had an earlier effort ruled out for a foul on the goalkeeper. Kessie's 30th-minute goal came after Yan Diomande's cross found him following a blocked attempt by Amad Diallo.
Coach Julian Nagelsmann made changes at the break. His tactical shift paid immediate dividends.
Nadiem Amiri's cross led to Undav's equalizer on 68 minutes. The substitute finished from close range with clinical precision.
Ivory Coast's goalkeeper Yahia Fofana kept them in the contest with several crucial saves. But he couldn't prevent the killer blow in added time.
Undav controlled Felix Nmecha's pass four minutes into injury time and slotted past Fofana. It was the moment that changed everything for the Germans.
The Ivorians had dominated large stretches of play. They simply didn't convert their chances when it mattered most.
Germany now have six points from two wins in Group E. They've secured their place in the Round of 32, their first knockout qualification since 2014.
Ivory Coast still have work to do. They face Curaçao in their final group match to book a Round of 32 spot.
