Germany punched their ticket to the World Cup knockout rounds with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in Group E, courtesy of substitute Deniz Undav's match-winning brace deep into stoppage time.

Havertz Denied As Germany Struggles Early On
Kai Havertz, who started for Julian Nagelsmann's side following his two-goal performance against Curacao in the opener, came close inside the first 10 minutes but saw his header kept out by Ivory Coast goalkeeper Yahia Fofana.

The European outfit thought they had broken through twice before the interval, only to see both efforts wiped out. Aleksandar Pavlovic's strike was scratched off due to a foul committed against the goalkeeper, and Havertz was also denied his first of the tournament in the 39th minute when the officials ruled that Jamal Musiala had fouled an opponent during the build-up.

Ivory Coast, who had looked the more threatening side throughout the opening period, took a deserved lead on the half-hour mark. Yan Diomande drove forward and delivered a dangerous low cross, allowing captain Franck Kessie to apply the finish and hand the African representatives the advantage.

At that point, Germany faced the real prospect of an unexpected setback.

Undav Comes Off The Bench To Rescue Germany
Nagelsmann turned to his bench just past the hour mark, introducing three fresh players in a move that would ultimately transform the contest.

One of those introductions, Undav, pulled Germany level in the 68th minute with a crisp volleyed finish from Nadiem Amiri's pinpoint delivery.

With the clock ticking towards full time and a draw looming, the former Brighton attacker delivered once more in the dying seconds. Felix Nmecha picked him out with a well-timed pass, and Undav kept his composure to find the net in the 94th minute, triggering joyous celebrations from the German contingent.

The result ensures Germany progresses to the knockout phase with one group fixture still to play, joining the United States and Mexico as early qualifiers.

Havertz may look back on a frustrating evening compared to his standout display in the tournament opener. However, he had legitimate reason to feel aggrieved after his first-half strike was overturned.

With qualification already secured, Nagelsmann now has the flexibility to rotate his squad for the final Group E encounter—a development Arsenal followers might view favourably should Havertz be afforded some rest ahead of the knockout rounds.