Group E Live Updates

LIVE: Will Germany Pass Its First Big Test?

(Bild: AP/Frank Gunn)

Second day of World Cup action in Group E: Germany faces Ivory Coast. We’re covering the match live (live updates below). The score is currently 0–1.

Here’s the live ticker:

The winner of this match is guaranteed a spot in the knockout stage. However, following their opening wins in Toronto, a draw would likely be enough for both teams. After their 7-1 win over Curaçao, Coach Julian Nagelsmann’s German squad aims to prove their World Cup form against the Ivorians as well and build further confidence for the rest of the tournament. Additionally, first place in the group is on the line in this match. “I do think we’re on the right track. Still, there are things we need to do better against even tougher opponents,” Nagelsmann emphasized. There’s absolutely no reason to “rest on our laurels now,” Nagelsmann said, as he and veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer continued to tighten the reins. “I simply believe that in this tournament, under conditions that are perhaps a bit similar to those in Brazil, it comes down to that extra meter,” Neuer remarked.

Especially since the Ivory Coast is in a different league than Curaçao. The West Africans proved that against Ecuador (1–0). The 19-year-old Leipzig player Yan Diomande was particularly impressive. “His dribbling is truly exceptional—he’s got incredible speed,” said DFB captain Joshua Kimmich. “Those are express trains,” remarked Antonio Rüdiger about the African attack. Elye Wahi caused a stir of a different kind. The Ivorian striker had initially been denied entry by Canadian authorities. But shortly thereafter came the turnaround—or rather, the happy ending: Wahi, 23, who is apparently facing allegations of match-fixing in France, was allowed to travel to Toronto after all.