Deniz Undav strengthens Germany’s World Cup bid with decisive goal.
STUTTGART, Germany — Deniz Undav intensified the call for Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann to include him in the World Cup squad after netting the decisive goal in a 2-1 victory over Ghana on Monday, reinforcing his impressive club performance.
Undav had not featured for Germany since June, but his tally of seven goals in the last six Bundesliga matches secured his return to the national team. The friendly took place at the home ground of his club Stuttgart, where supporters were vocal in their support for Undav long before he entered the match as a substitute.
The match appeared to be heading for a draw when he deftly lifted the ball over Ghana’s goalkeeper in the 88th minute, securing Germany’s seventh consecutive win.
Ghana’s Abdul Fatuwu had earlier equalized by scoring on a counterattack, responding to Kai Havertz’s penalty that had initially put Germany ahead.
Following Florian Wirtz’s impressive performance in Germany’s 4-3 victory over Switzerland, expectations were high for the host team to perform well against an opponent that had recently suffered a 5-1 defeat to Austria. However, the match resulted in a more subdued win amid persistent rain.
Nick Woltemade was among four players introduced into the German lineup, but his most notable contribution was a header that struck the crossbar in the second half.
Havertz opened the scoring for Germany with a penalty just before halftime after Jonas Adjetey was penalized for blocking a shot with his arm. Ghana equalized in the 70th minute when Derrick KΓΆhn, born in Germany, made a strong run down the left side, outmaneuvered defender Josha Vagnoman, and delivered a low cross for Fatawu to finish.
Ghana defender Kojo Peprah Oppong from Nice required assistance to leave the field after sustaining a left leg injury while challenging Woltemade.
Germany has additional friendlies scheduled before the World Cup, including matches against Finland in May and co-hosts the United States in June, followed by encounters with Curacao, the Ivory Coast, and Ecuador in Group E of the tournament.
Ghana has now lost four consecutive friendlies and is placed in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia.
