A tournament that had begun with a seven-goal demolition of debutants Curaçao nearly unravelled for Germany on Saturday night in Toronto until Deniz Undav, a striker who once laboured in a factory while playing semi-professional football, dragged Julian Nagelsmann’s side back from the brink. Ivory Coast, disciplined and dangerous on the break, led through Franck Kessié’s 30th-minute finish after Yan Diomande’s low cross found the AC Milan midfielder at the far post. Two German goals were correctly ruled out – one for a foul on the goalkeeper, the other after a VAR review spotted an infringement by Jamal Musiala – and the four-time champions walked off at half-time facing a first World Cup group-stage exit since 2018.

Nagelsmann responded in the 60th minute with a triple substitution that introduced Undav alongside Nadiem Amiri and Jamie Leweling. The injection of directness transformed the contest. Eight minutes after his introduction, Undav met Amiri’s floated delivery with a first-time strike, then, with the match appearing destined for a draw, the Stuttgart forward pounced in the fourth minute of stoppage time, latching onto Felix Nmecha’s through ball to slot past Yahia Fofana and spark wild celebrations. “This is exactly what we hoped for,” Nagelsmann said. “The most important topic for us is to focus on the next step.”

The result lifts Germany to six points in Group E and, combined with Curaçao’s surprise 0-0 draw against Ecuador in Kansas City, secures top spot and a first knockout-round berth since the 2014 triumph in Brazil. Undav’s three goals from two substitute appearances place him level with Lionel Messi and Canada’s Jonathan David atop the Golden Boot race. In the post-match press conference, Nagelsmann indicated the 29-year-old could earn a start against Ecuador, though he acknowledged the forward’s devastating impact off the bench. “I think he’s very happy as it is right now,” he said.

Elsewhere, the Netherlands laid down a marker with a 5-1 demolition of Sweden in Houston. Two goals from Brian Brobbey inside 17 minutes and a quickfire second-half brace by Cody Gakpo moved Ronald Koeman’s team to four points, level with Japan after the Blue Samurai routed Tunisia 4-0. Koeman warned that the speed and quality of the Dutch transitions “will cause fear among opponents”. Sweden, who conceded five in a World Cup match for the first time since the 1958 final, slip to third in Group F on three points, behind Japan on goal difference.

The final round of group fixtures will settle the knockout picture. Germany meet Ecuador in New Jersey on Thursday, with La Tri needing a win to have any hope of advancing. Ivory Coast, still well-placed on three points, face Curaçao that same day, knowing a victory would probably send the Elephants through to the last 32 for the first time in their history.