Ivory Coast make the German team wait on the pitch, running out a little late after the break. But if it’s mind games their opponents take no notice, and it’s only a matter of minutes before Brown releases Musiala, who cuts inside and shoots wide.
But then, Germany find themselves on the back foot as Kessie, the opening goalscorer, combines with Diallo in a promising move that sparks more promising moves. Diomande volleys wide in the latest.
This is looking a little ominous for Germany, and let’s not forget this nation have been knocked out in the group stage at every World Cup since winning the thing in 2014. That 7-1 opening defeat of Curacao was straightforward enough but Ecuador later this coming week will be another prospect entirely.
P.S. Schlotterbeck called it a day at half-time and has been replaced by Rudiger.
Germany 0-1 Ivory Coast, 57 minutes
