FOOTBALL – Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said that Deniz Undav could earn his first World Cup start after the striker’s late heroics rescued the four-time champions against Ivory Coast and fired them into the knockouts for the first time since 2014.
The VfB Stuttgart forward came off the bench to score twice in a 2-1 win for Germany in their Group E clash at a packed Toronto Stadium on Saturday, having also found the net as a substitute in their opener against Curacao.
“Maybe he can start next time... I think that every player would love to be in the starting lineup, but I think he’s very happy as it is right now,” Nagelsmann said.
Undav has been making a compelling case for inclusion in the starting team and his goals on Saturday not only sent German fans into delirium but extended his remarkable scoring streak to nine goals in his last eight Germany matches.
Nagelsmann, who has been under pressure to start Undav, acknowledged the striker’s form but remained cautious about disrupting his rhythm.