STUTTGART, Germany – Deniz Undav, the VfB Stuttgart forward, delivered a dramatic late winner for Germany in a 2-1 victory over Ghana at the MHPArena on Monday. The goal, scored in the 88th minute, extended Germany’s winning streak to seven matches as they continue their preparations for this summer’s FIFA World Cup.
The friendly international, played in driving rain, saw Germany seize the lead through a Kai Havertz penalty in the first half. However, Ghana responded with an equalizer from Abdul Fatawu in the 70th minute, setting the stage for Undav’s decisive intervention. The match provided valuable minutes for Julian Nagelsmann’s squad as they fine-tune their preparations for the tournament.
Germany dominated the early stages, creating several opportunities. Nick Woltemade, making one of four changes to the starting lineup, fired wide in the fourth minute following a cutback from Havertz. Shortly after, Florian Wirtz struck the post with a free-kick, signaling Germany’s attacking intent. Jonathan Tah also had two close-range opportunities, but was unable to convert.
Wirtz had a goal ruled out for offside just past the half-hour mark, but Germany’s pressure eventually paid off. Havertz calmly slotted home a penalty after Jonas Adjetey was adjudged to have handled the ball, giving the hosts a deserved lead heading into halftime.
The second half saw Germany continue to push for a second goal. Woltemade headed Lennart Karl’s cross onto the crossbar, a frustrating miss for the home side. Ghana capitalized on Germany’s profligacy, leveling the score through Fatawu, who swept home a low cross from Derrick Köhn.
However, Germany refused to settle for a draw. Nagelsmann’s tactical adjustments proved crucial, as substitutes Leroy Sané and Undav combined effectively in the closing stages. Sané’s assist found Undav, who poked the ball past the Ghana goalkeeper from close range, sparking celebrations in the stadium he calls home on club duty.
The victory wasn’t without a scare, as Ghana defender Kojo Peprah Oppong of Nice was forced off the field with a left leg injury while challenging Woltemade. The incident added a somber note to an otherwise positive evening for the German side.
Data Debrief: Nagelsmann’s Impactful Substitutions
Germany’s overall performance reflected their dominance, generating 3.06 expected goals from 23 shots compared to Ghana’s 0.56 from just six attempts. While the first half saw some wasteful finishing, the result was a deserved win. Nagelsmann’s substitutions were particularly impactful, with the Sané-Undav combination proving decisive. Karl also impressed after coming on, recording the joint-most shots (three) and chances created (two) in the match, while completing 100% of his dribbles (two).
This win marks Germany’s seventh consecutive victory across all competitions, providing a significant boost in confidence as they approach the World Cup. The team will face further pre-World Cup friendlies against Finland in May and the co-host United States in June, before beginning their Group E campaign against Curacao, the Ivory Coast, and Ecuador.
For Ghana, the defeat extends their losing streak in friendlies to four matches. They are grouped with Panama, England, and Croatia in Group L of the World Cup.
Germany’s preparation continues, and the performance of Undav, in particular, will undoubtedly be a talking point as Nagelsmann finalizes his squad selection. The late goal not only secured the win but also strengthened Undav’s case for a place on the plane to the World Cup this summer.
Next up for Germany is a friendly against Finland in May, providing another opportunity to assess the squad and refine their tactics ahead of the tournament. The match will be a crucial test as they aim to build momentum and arrive at the World Cup in peak condition.
