The World Cup Group E second fixture between Ivory Coast and Germany was one of those nerve-racking games which keeps viewers at the edge of their seats, periodically standing, sitting, crouching, plain rolling on the floor, also clapping, shouting, or screaming!
Many audiences in Ghana had the privilege of watching the game on giant screens provided at vantage points in Accra. From start to finish it was a never-ending at-the-edge-of-your-seat experience.
Ivory Coast started well, depicting superior tactical control, especially during the first half. They took an early lead in the 29th minute when Kessie’s second attempt at sending the ball home, saw it seeing the back of the net. Their defiant defence in the face of a usually superior German side made the German players visibly frustrated in the first half and into the second half.
Ivory Coast defended with their life to maintain the lead, however, the German machine put up a fierce fight. And made a comeback in the 68th minute, during the second half, when Substitute Denis Undav brought both sides on equal footing.
Subsequently, Ivory Coast fumbled many great chances, failing to convert their opportunities into goals to secure a much needed lead for themselves. Germany would show them how it is done during injury time just 3 minutes to game over. Undav scored again to put Germany in the lead. German machine for a reason.
Kudos to La Côte D’Ivoire for giving Germany a run for their time.
Admittedly, this was a heartbreaking end for most African audiences seeing the Ivorians lose in the end, whilst Germany finished in the lead after a goal down. This match was arguably one of the more animated matches of this World Cup.
Whew Germany, and kudos! Better luck next time to the Elephants of La Côte d’Ivoire.
