FAE PROUD DESPITE DEFEAT AS GERMANY REACH KNOCKOUT STAGE

Ivory Coast coach Emerse Fae admitted he was left frustrated by his side’s 2-1 defeat to Germany but praised his players’ fighting spirit after a spirited display against the former world champions.

The Elephants took a surprise lead through Franck Kessie before substitute Deniz Undav struck twice in the second half to send Germany into the World Cup knockout stages for the first time since 2014.

“It’s more frustration that we’re feeling after this defeat, because we were able to open the score against this strong German side,” Fae said after the match.

The Ivorian coach felt a lack of experience proved costly in key moments, adding: “In the chances that we did have at the end of the game, where we needed to find the back of the net, we were hesitant.”

Despite the setback, Fae remained optimistic about his team’s chances of progressing, insisting: “Our destiny is still in our hands, or our feet.”

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann was delighted with the comeback victory, describing it as fully deserved after his side recovered from a slow start.

“I am very happy that we won the match. In the end, we deservedly won it,” Nagelsmann said.

The German coach reserved special praise for match-winner Undav, whose second-half brace turned the game around.

“When the game opens up he’s really great at moving around. Deniz is someone who does need to be ready; he can jump in right away,” Nagelsmann said.

Germany have secured their place in the last 32, but Nagelsmann insisted his focus remains on the final group game against Ecuador, saying: “It’s always important to focus on the next steps.”