Super-Sub Deniz Undav equals Roger Milla’s historic World Cup record as Germany march into Round of 32
German super-sub Deniz Undav turned into an absolute magician on Sunday, scripting a historic comeback victory for Germany against Ivory Coast while cementing his name right alongside the legendary Roger Milla in the World Cup record books.Coming off the bench in the 60th minute with Germany trailin
By Toi Sports Desk
German super-sub Deniz Undav turned into an absolute magician on Sunday, scripting a historic comeback victory for Germany against Ivory Coast while cementing his name right alongside the legendary Roger Milla in the World Cup record books.Coming off the bench in the 60th minute with Germany trailing 1-0 at the Toronto Stadium, the clinical forward completely turned the match on its head.
Undav slammed home a magnificent volleyed equalizer in the 68th minute before showing nerves of steel to fire a dramatic 94th-minute stoppage-time winner, securing a hard-fought 2-1 win.
The victory officially booked Germany’s ticket into the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a game to spare.While fans are marveling at his goal-scoring heroics, Undav's brace did something even more special as it vaulted him into elite football folklore.
With his twin strikes against Ivory Coast, added to his explosive goal and two assists against Curacao in the opening game, Undav has racked up an unbelievable five goal involvements in just two substitute appearances.While it is frequently highlighted as a pure goal-scoring record, it is technically an equalization of the ultimate "super-sub" benchmark.
Undav has officially matched Cameroon legend Roger Milla’s iconic 1990 record for the most total goal involvements as a substitute at a single World Cup since 1966.
Milla captivated the world at age 38 in Italy with his clutch impact, and now Undav is replicating that exact magic for the four-time champions.Undav also became the first German international since Miroslav Klose in 2002 to find the back of the net in each of his first two career World Cup matches.Ivory Coast had initially stunned the Germans when captain Franck Kessie slotted home a rebound in the 30th minute.
Germany also had two goals disallowed in a highly frustrating first half.
However, coach Julian Nagelsmann’s decision to unleash his striker changed everything, keeping Germany's dream alive.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates.
Download the TOI app.