#Title Super sub Undav delivers for ambitious Germany Undav has been directly involved in five goals as a substitute in this World Cup (3 goals, 2 assists) -- the joint most at a single edition of the competition since 1966 (alongside Roger Milla in 1990). Undav is the first player to score in both of his first two World Cup matches for Germany since Miroslav Klose in 2002. Germany have won both of their opening two matches for the first time at the FIFA World Cup since 2006, having failed to do so in each of the previous four editions.

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Julian Nagelsmann welcomed Germany’s dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Ivory Coast on Saturday, but the coach insisted reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time since 2014 was only another step towards a much bigger objective.

“We have high ambitions,” Nagelsmann said when asked by AFP if securing qualification for the next round was something to celebrate.

“The most important topic for us is to focus on the next step.”

Germany’s progression ends a run of bitter World Cup disappointments after group-stage exits in both Russia in 2018 and Qatar four years later. Saturday’s victory, secured by substitute Deniz Undav’s 94th-minute winner, guaranteed Die Mannschaft a place in the knockout rounds and left the normally composed Nagelsmann visibly animated at the final whistle.

“This is exactly what we hoped for and I’m very happy for my team,” the 38-year-old said.

Germany were pushed hard by an impressive Ivory Coast side, who took the lead through Franck Kessie in the first half and continued to trouble the four-time world champions after the restart.

Nagelsmann later admitted he was unhappy with both Germany’s opening spell and the first 10 minutes of the second half. He made a triple substitution on the hour, introducing Undav and Nadiem Amiri among the changes, which proved to be decisive.

Eight minutes later, Amiri and Undav combined for Germany’s equaliser before the Stuttgart forward struck again deep into stoppage time, producing a superb turn and finish to complete the comeback.

Undav’s impact has become one of the stories of Germany’s campaign. After scoring twice as a substitute against Curacao, he once again changed the game from the bench and now has five goal involvements as a substitute at this World Cup, having also provided two assists against Curacao.

His performances have inevitably raised questions over a possible start in Germany’s final Group E match against Ecuador.

“I could have him in the starting lineup,” Nagelsmann said. “I think every player would love to be in the starting lineup, but I think he’s very happy as it is right now.”

“When the game opens up, he’s really great at moving around,” Nagelsmann added. “Deniz is nobody who needs to be prepared; he can jump in right away.”

Germany are now assured of a top-two finish in Group E and will secure first place if Ecuador fail to win either of their remaining matches. Meanwhile, Ivory Coast could also book a historic first-ever World Cup knockout berth with victory over Curacao next week.