With his sensational brace in Germany’s victory over Ivory Coast, Deniz Undav has etched his name into German World Cup history.
The VfB Stuttgart striker, having scored two goals in Germany’s 2-1 win, now has three goals and five total goal contributions after just two group stage matches. Previously, only Andre Schürrle had made such an impact as a substitute for the DFB team. The winger was directly involved in five German goals (three goals, two assists) during Germany’s World Cup triumph in Brazil, but he required six substitute appearances to do so. Undav’s goal tally is surpassed at the World Cup only by Cameroonian legend Roger Milla in 1990 (four goals). He is level with Hungary’s Laszlo Kiss, who also scored three goals in 1982.
Undav entered the match against Ivory Coast in the 60th minute as part of a triple substitution, alongside Nadiem Amiri and Jamie Leweling. He turned a 0-1 deficit into a 2-1 victory with his brace. This win, combined with the 0-0 draw between Ecuador and Curacao in the parallel match, secured Germany’s group victory. In the resounding 7-1 victory over Curacao, he provided two assists and scored the interim 6-1 goal after coming on in the 64th minute.
Will Undav Remain ‘Just’ a Substitute? Nagelsmann Explains His Dilemma
«He’s a born striker,» said Julian Nagelsmann afterwards, glowing with praise. «He has an incredible instinct, especially with the second goal, how he sneaks away from the defender and is momentarily untouchable. He scores two superb goals. Deniz’s touch and strike, he shoots on the second touch without thinking. He’s the type of striker who knows where the goal is.» Nevertheless, the national coach explained the dilemma he now faces: «The questions will surely start now, whether he will ever start. It’s absolutely possible, but he’s fulfilling his role incredibly well.»
However, Nagelsmann also provided an argument for continuing to rely on Undav as a substitute. «One could say that I’m letting him stay in his flow and his role because he has decided games twice in this capacity,» he said. The Stuttgart player himself commented on his stellar performance soberly: «I’m in the right position. I try to bring my confidence onto the pitch. I know I can score in every game, especially with outstanding teammates. They make it easy for me. I just try to be there.» He claimed not to feel any nervousness, «it’s just a football game. The team makes it easy for me to just go for it,» Undav continued. Now the goal is: «Take the flow with me, take the positivity with me – and then win the next game.»
Given Undav’s outstanding season for VfB, it was already a major topic around the test matches at the end of March whether the 29-year-old should be a starter at the World Cup. However, Nagelsmann dismissed the discussion about Germany’s statistically best goalscorer, emphasizing his intention to stick to his much-quoted role conversations.
Nagelsmann Apologized to Undav in April
Undav’s qualities as a «finisher» ultimately come into play «when the opponent is already tired. His qualities are somewhat lost if he has to work a lot in the game.» Furthermore, if he were to change his approach, he could «forget his credibility.» Regarding Undav’s winning goal to make it 2-1 against Ghana, Nagelsmann also criticized: «If he had been running for 70 minutes beforehand, I don’t know if he would have scored it like that. It was a long run, and after 70 minutes – also considering the summer heat at 42 degrees – it could be difficult for him.» At a press conference, he made the at least unfortunate statement that Undav would be putting himself under pressure by wanting to be a starter: «From that perspective, it’s okay for me as soon as he starts scoring fewer goals. If he can cope with that himself, he’s welcome to do so.»
In mid-April, Nagelsmann, on the advice of his wife, apologized to Undav. «It wasn’t right, and it was also far too forceful in its severity for the public,» he explained: «I said: ‘That was foolish of me, I’m sorry.'»
Germany will conclude their group stage against Ecuador next Thursday, before the knockout phase. It’s possible that Undav may have the opportunity to recommend himself as a starter for the knockout rounds in the duel against the South Americans.