Germany almost got in front after just a few seconds when Kai Havertz volleyed over in space in the box, and the Arsenal man also saw a header expertly saved by Yahia Fofana.
Felix Nmecha’s deflected effort then landed onto the roof of the net, as the four-time winners kept probing. The ball eventually ended up in Fofana’s net when the goalkeeper fumbled it from a corner, but he was deemed to be fouled by Aleksandar Pavlovic.
Germany had scored first in nine of their previous 10 games, but it was the Ivory Coast who took the lead against the run of play.
The sought-after RB Leipzig forward, Yan Diomande, did brilliantly on the wing before crossing for Amad Diallo, who could not sort his feet out in front of goal as his effort was blocked by Nathaniel Brown. The ball rebounded to Franck Kessie, though, and he showed all of his experience to calmly finish the chance.
Ange-Yoan Bonny then tested Manuel Neuer from the edge of the box as the Elephants gained confidence.
Germany did see another goal disallowed before half-time when Jamal Musiala fouled Odilon Kossounou before Havertz slotted home, as Die Mannschaft trailed at the interval.
Perhaps surprisingly, it was the Ivory Coast who looked more likely to score again after the break, with Christ Inao Oulai striking Amad’s lay-off over, before Diomande scuffed a volley wide from the edge of the area.
Germany missed a golden chance to equalise after the hour mark, though, and it fell to Havertz again, as he headed wide from a corner with Fofana missing the ball.
Two substitutes then combined to level proceedings for Die Mannschaft, as Nadiem Amiri crossed beautifully for Undav, who, after scoring against Curacao in their opening match, kept the ball down and volleyed home.
The VfB Stuttgart striker would then be the hero in stoppage time as he collected Nmecha’s pinpoint pass before finishing coolly past Fofana to steal victory for Germany.
It ensures Die Mannschaft qualified for the knockouts after missing out in the previous two World Cups, while the Ivory Coast will now have to wait until the final group game to see if they can reach the knockout stage for the first time in their history.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Deniz Undav (Germany)
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