There was a major shock at the Olympic Games in Tokyo as Germany were eliminated after failing to come in the top two in Group D. The Germans, who had to win, were better team in the first half, but the Ivorians picked up as the game went on. Ivory Coast took the lead in the second half in scrappy fashion after Benjamin Henrichs turned the ball into his own net. Despite Eduard Lowen netting a lovely equaliser and late German pressure, they could not get a winner.

A draw was enough for the Ivorians who will now face the winners of Group C in the quarter-final on Saturday. In the other game in the group, Brazil beat already eliminated Saudi Arabia 3-1 to clinch top spot and set up a last eight meeting with the runners-up of group C.

Stefan Kuntz's men started the more positive and Ache headed wide of the goal from Max Kruse's cross after eight minutes. Richter also looked bright for Germany and he saw a goalbound effort blocked by a defender. Even though the Ivorians had a pop through Kouame midway through the first period which curled wide of the far post, Germany were much better.

In the 26th minute, Ragnar Ache so nearly gave Germany the lead, but his header from Max Kruse's cut back struck the crossbar. After that, the men in orange picked up and the Germans started to get more frustrated. Kouame headed a ball over the German goal and the Ivorians were definitely better in the final 15. There was an element of controversy as well as Max Arnold, who was sent off in the opening game, should have seen a second yellow for Germany just before the break after a foul on an opponent, but the ref kept the card in his pocket.

Max Arnold was wisely replaced for the second half and Germany started brightly again through Richter, but his volley went wide. As the rain continued to fall, Germany became less dangerous, but the Ivorians were nervy the odd time from a corner. At the other end, Kouame headed a Max Gradel pass straight at goalkeeper Florian Muller. Then, in the 66th minute, Ivory Coast took a surprise lead.

A long throw by Singo was flicked on by Gradel, the ball then hit Kouame on the leg and Henrichs turned the ball into his own goal as Dao went for it. That left Germany needing two, but Germany responded perfectly. Six minutes later, the Germans got a free-kick after Bailly fouled Kruse and Lowen hit the free-kick beautifully over the wall and into Tape's right hand corner.

That was nothing less than what Germany deserved and it set up a thrilling last 20 minutes. The game was end to end and Max Gradel of Ivory Coast was denied by a superb save by Muller while Maier had to settle for a corner at the other end when Germany had a 4 on 3 situation. Despite Germany's pressure, the Ivorians had the better chances on the counter and Max Gradel hit the sidenetting eight minutes from time. Despite Germany's desperation and five extra minutes, they could not get a second goal and were knocked out against all the odds.

July 28, 2021

E. Lowen

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