Updated

Updated · USA TODAY · Jun 20

Germany, Netherlands Return on World Cup Day 10 as 4 Group E-F Matches Decide First Place

Updated

Updated · USA TODAY · Jun 20

Germany, Netherlands Return on World Cup Day 10 as 4 Group E-F Matches Decide First Place

Q: After a seven-goal opener, can Germany's potent attack break down the defensive wall of Ivory Coast?

Yes — but not in the same free-flowing way Germany did against Curaçao. Germany’s 7-1 opener showed how dangerous its attack can be, with Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz and Kai Havertz driving a fluid, high-tempo front line. But Ivory Coast presented a much tougher problem. After beating Ecuador 1-0, the Ivorians came in with a compact, physical defense and a willingness to sit deep, absorb pressure and counter through their pace. That resistance did trouble Germany. Ivory Coast led through Franck Kessie, Germany had two goals disallowed, and goalkeeper Yahia Fofana made several important saves. For long stretches, Germany’s attack looked less explosive than it had against Curaçao, and Ivory Coast’s speed and organization disrupted their rhythm. Germany still found a way through because of their depth and technical quality. Substitutions changed the match, and Deniz Undav proved decisive, scoring the equalizer in the 68th minute and the winner in stoppage time for a 2-1 comeback victory. The numbers underlined Germany’s pressure: 16 shots, seven on target, and sustained touches in the Ivory Coast box. So the answer is yes: Germany did break down Ivory Coast’s defensive wall, but only after a far sterner test than their opener. The match suggested Germany’s attack is potent enough to solve elite defensive setups, though not always quickly or comfortably.

3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Jun 20

Four Group E and F matches headline World Cup Day 10, with Netherlands-Sweden at 1 p.m. ET and Germany-Ivory Coast at 4 p.m. ET both deciding first place in their groups.
Germany enter after a 7-goal rout of Curacao, while the Netherlands need a response after drawing Japan and Sweden arrive with momentum from a 5-1 win over Tunisia.
Group E closes with Ecuador facing Curacao at 8 p.m. ET in a near-elimination game for both sides, especially Curacao after its opening defeat.
Tunisia-Japan ends the slate at 11:59 p.m. ET, with Tunisia in turmoil after firing Sabri Lamouchi and handing Herve Renard a rare mid-World Cup debut.