Stuttgart, Germany – Deniz Undav, the VfB Stuttgart forward, delivered a dramatic late winner for Germany in a 2-1 victory over Ghana on Monday evening. The match, played at the Stuttgart Arena, served as the final tune-up for the German national team before the official announcement of their World Cup squad in May.
The victory, secured by Undav’s 88th-minute strike, extends Germany’s winning streak to seven consecutive matches. However, the performance wasn’t without its challenges, as a Fatawu Issahaku goal for Ghana in the 70th minute briefly leveled the score after Kai Havertz had given Germany the lead from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time.
Germany’s head coach, Julian Nagelsmann, used the match as an opportunity to evaluate a wide range of players, making eight substitutions after halftime. While the changes disrupted the flow of the game at times, the result ultimately provided a positive momentum boost heading into the final preparations for the World Cup, which begins on June 11th.
Havertz Penalty Sets the Tone, But Ghana Responds
The match began with Nagelsmann fielding a lineup that included Alexander Nübel in goal and Nathaniel Brown at left back, both making their starts under the current coach. Pascal Groß and Nick Woltemade also featured in the starting eleven. Woltemade, given the nod ahead of Undav in the center of the attack, nearly opened the scoring in the 4th minute, but his shot narrowly missed the post following a pass from Havertz.
Germany continued to press, and their efforts were rewarded just before halftime. A handball by Ghana’s Jonas Adjetey, spotted by the video assistant referee, led to a penalty kick for the home side. Havertz calmly converted the spot-kick, sending the German team into the break with a 1-0 advantage.
However, Ghana emerged from the interval with renewed determination. Exploiting space on the left wing, Issahaku equalized for the visitors in the 70th minute, catching the German defense off guard with a well-placed finish. The goal injected a sense of urgency into the match, setting the stage for a dramatic finale.
Undav Answers the Call from the Bench
As the clock ticked down, Nagelsmann turned to his bench, introducing Undav alongside Lennart Karl and Antonio Rüdiger. The Stuttgarter Arena erupted as Undav entered the field, with fans chanting his name in anticipation. The VfB Stuttgart striker didn’t disappoint.
In the 88th minute, Undav delivered the decisive blow. A headed flick-on from Leroy Sané found Undav, who skillfully controlled the ball with his left thigh before unleashing a powerful right-footed shot past the Ghanaian goalkeeper. The goal, described as a “typical Undav action,” sparked jubilant celebrations among the German players and supporters.
Nagelsmann had previously indicated that he viewed Undav as an impact substitute, believing the forward could be most effective against fatigued defenses. His assessment proved correct, as Undav’s late goal secured a valuable win for Germany.
Nagelsmann Evaluates Options Ahead of Squad Announcement
The match against Ghana provided Nagelsmann with valuable insights as he prepares to finalize his World Cup squad, which will be announced on May 12th. The coach’s willingness to experiment with different lineups and substitutions demonstrated his commitment to assessing all available options.
Originally, Germany had been scheduled to face Ivory Coast in a final pre-tournament friendly. However, following the World Cup draw, which placed Germany, Ivory Coast, Curaçao, and Ecuador in the same group, the DFB opted to replace the match with the encounter against Ghana. The Ghanaian team, fresh off a 5-1 defeat to Austria, aimed to provide a sterner test than their recent result suggested.
While the numerous changes in the second half impacted Germany’s overall rhythm, Nagelsmann appeared satisfied with the team’s resilience and ability to secure the victory. Bayern Munich youngster Lennart Karl also impressed with his dribbling skills after coming on as a substitute.
What’s Next for Germany?
Germany will now enter a period of intensive preparation for the World Cup, with the tournament kicking off on June 11th. The team will convene on May 25th to begin their training camp, focusing on refining their tactics and building team cohesion. The final 26-man squad will be announced on May 12th, and fans eagerly await to spot which players will earn a place on the plane to the United States.
The victory over Ghana provides a positive foundation for Germany’s World Cup campaign, but Nagelsmann and his team grasp that significant challenges lie ahead. The upcoming weeks will be crucial as they strive to peak at the right time and make a strong impression on the world stage.
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