Germany and Ivory Coast meet in Toronto knowing that a win would secure a place in the World Cup knockout stage with one group match still to play.
Germany come into the match in excellent form after extending their winning run to ten matches with a dominant 7-1 victory over World Cup debutants Curaçao. That result sent a strong message to the rest of the tournament and moved Germany to the top of the all-time World Cup scoring chart with 239 goals. After suffering group-stage exits in the last two World Cups, Germany now look in a strong position to avoid another early departure.
There are still some concerns for Julian Nagelsmann’s side despite their impressive attacking displays. Germany have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven World Cup matches, their longest such run since 1970. However, their attacking strength has helped cover those weaknesses, with the team scoring at least three goals in six of their last ten victories.
Ivory Coast also began their campaign with a win, although in much tighter fashion, beating Ecuador 1-0. That result made it four international victories in a row, with three of those wins coming against teams ranked inside FIFA’s top 25.
Those results suggest the Elephants will not be intimidated by facing Germany. With more teams progressing from the group stage in this expanded World Cup format, Ivory Coast will believe a first-ever appearance in the knockout rounds is possible. Even if they lose this match, they still have a favourable final group game against Curaçao.
The only previous meeting between these teams came in a friendly match in 2009 and ended in a 2-2 draw. Germany have generally performed well against African teams at the World Cup, losing only once, while Ivory Coast have found wins against European opposition difficult to achieve on this stage.
Germany have started strongly in recent matches and scored first in nine of their last ten games. They have also regularly won a high number of corners. Ivory Coast have shown their ability to stay dangerous until the end, scoring after the 80th minute in five of their last seven matches.
Kai Havertz was Germany’s standout player in the opening game, scoring twice against Curaçao. He has now scored in each of Germany’s last four major tournaments and has contributed to seven goals in his last five appearances for club and country. For Ivory Coast, Guéla Doué has been heavily involved recently with a goal, an assist and a yellow card across his last two international matches.
Neither side has reported any major injury concerns after their opening group games. Ivory Coast could also have Elye Wahi available after he was cleared to enter Canada following earlier travel issues.
Germany will start as favourites because of their current form and attacking quality, but Ivory Coast arrive with confidence and enough quality to make things difficult. Germany leading at half-time looks a strong possibility, although the African side should not be underestimated.
