Germany returned to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in 12 years on Saturday, beating Ivory Coast 2-1 in a Group E match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Substitute Deniz Undav scored twice from the bench, including a winner deep into stoppage time, to complete a comeback after Franck Kessié put Ivory Coast ahead in the 30th minute.

Ivory Coast dominated much of the first half and carried their lead into the second. Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann made changes that altered the match, introducing Undav and Amiri off the bench. Undav’s first goal came in the 68th minute when he met a cross and volleyed past goalkeeper Yahia Fofana from inside the area. His winner arrived in the 94th minute.

The result sends Germany top of Group E and effectively books their place in the round of 32. It ends a miserable run that saw Germany crash out in the group stage at both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. The four-time world champions last made the knockout rounds in 2014, the year they won the trophy in Brazil.

Ivory Coast still have a chance to advance but will need a result in their final group match. Their campaign began with a draw against Cape Verde in the tournament’s opening days, and Saturday’s loss leaves their situation complicated.

Undav’s brace marked a turning point for Germany in a tournament where fan expectations had been lowered after consecutive early exits. A preview of the match had noted that Germany needed a strong result to justify their pre-tournament ambitions. Nagelsmann’s substitutions proved the decisive factor.

Germany’s next match is against Ecuador on June 25. Ivory Coast face Scotland in what will likely be a must-win final group game. Supporters can follow all developments at the official FIFA World Cup site. The Group E standings now show Germany with four points and Ivory Coast needing to respond.