Germany vs Ivory Coast, Toronto, Group E
The Germans were looking strong after their 7-1 mauling of Curacao last week, and were the favourites to get past the Elephants from the Ivory Coast in Group E, as the sides met in Toronto last evening.
With both teams on a high, it was going to be A Tough Contest
Ivory Coast had denied Ecuador and won with moments to spare through an Amad Diallo strike. But against Germany, it was going to be a tough contest. However, a surprise was in the offing.
Frank Kessie Draws First Blood
Frank Kessie, who plays in the Saudi League for Al Ahli, hit the buttons in the 30th minute as the Ivory Coast took the lead over Germany.
A Rattled German Side Presses For The Equaliser
The Germans were rattled no end as the equaliser, which was so desperately needed, remained elusive till Jurgen Nagelsmann made an inspired substitution in the 59th minute.
Deniz Undav Is The Man of the Hour For Germany
Deniz Undav, the 29-year-old German, had had a great season with VfB Stuttgart and was the second-highest scorer in the Bundesliga with 19 goals, only behind the great Harry Kane.
Undav’s Brace Wins It For Germany
Denis Undav changed the game on its head with a brilliant strike in the 68th minute and then sealed the match with a goal in stoppage time to deny the Elephants and maintain Germany’s 100 per cent record in this World Cup.
A Fighting Ivory Coast Go Down
Ivory Coast did fight hard but could not find another goal as the Germans gained ascendancy.
A great performance from Undav indeed.
Beleaguered Curacao Face A Mighty Ecuadorian Challenge
In another Group E match, rookies Curacao faced a tough Ecuadorian challenge in Kansas City. The debutants were decimated after being battered by Germany and were looking to restore their pride, and wanted to tell the world that they belonged to this stage.
Ecuador Were Looking For A Good Win
The Ecuadorians had been painfully beaten by the Ivory Coast and wanted to get back to winning ways.
The Resolute Curacao Deny Ecuador Against All Odds
However, the resolve of Curacao was too much for Ecuador to crack. The South Americans let loose everything on Curacao. They had 15 shots on goal, 9 corners, 75 per cent possession, but still could not find the net.
Eloy Room Gives A Telling Performance
Curacao defended like monsters as if their life rested on the match. Eloy Room, the 37-year-old Curacao goalkeeper, played the game of his life.
It Was Emotional For A Curacao As They Managed Their First Point
As the final whistle blew, the Curacao players fell to the ground; they had earned their first point of the World Cup. Tears flowed as the players hugged each other. Curacao had shown the world what determination and a steely resolve could do.
It is Going to be A Tall Order For Ecuador
For Ecuador, it was another disappointing day at the office. They will have to beat Germany to progress further. That will be a tall order.
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