Germany's free-scoring attack faces its toughest test yet as an in-form Ivory Coast side look to take a major step towards the World Cup knockout stages in Toronto.
Germany vs Ivory CoastSee All Odds
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Two sides arriving in Toronto with maximum points from their opening fixtures meet in what could prove to be the decisive match in Group E. Germany announced themselves as serious contenders with a ruthless 7-1 demolition of Curacao, while Ivory Coast showed resilience and quality to edge past Ecuador thanks to a dramatic late winner.
With both nations boasting exciting attacking talent and recent winning momentum, Saturday's clash promises to be one of the standout contests of the second round of group-stage fixtures. Victory for either side would place them in a commanding position to reach the knockout stages.
Germany vs Ivory Coast Best Bet
Recommended Bet: Over 2.5 Goals
Best Odds: 4/6 (bet365)
Advised Stake: 1.5pts
Germany's opening 7-1 demolition of Curacao underlined just how dangerous Julian Nagelsmann's side can be going forward, but it also extended a worrying defensive trend. Die Mannschaft have now conceded in four of their last five matches and have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last seven World Cup games.
That vulnerability could be exposed by an Ivory Coast side packed with attacking talent. The Elephants arrive on a four-match winning streak and have scored against strong opposition recently, including France in a 2-1 friendly victory. Players such as Amad Diallo, Bazoumana Toure and Yan Diomande provide pace and creativity that can trouble Germany's high defensive line.
Germany have scored two or more goals in nine of their last 10 victories and look capable of doing the bulk of the scoring themselves, but Ivory Coast have enough attacking quality to contribute to an open contest. With Germany's matches regularly producing goals at both ends and both teams knowing that a win would put them in a commanding position in Group E, this fixture has all the ingredients for another high-scoring encounter.
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Who is favourite to win Germany vs Ivory Coast?
Germany are clear favourites at 4/7 (AKbets) , and it's easy to see why after their emphatic 7-1 win over Curacao on Matchday One. Julian Nagelsmann's side have now won 10 consecutive matches in all competitions and have scored at least twice in nine of those victories, showcasing one of the most potent attacks in the tournament.
Ivory Coast are respected outsiders at 21/4 (Betfred) after their impressive win over Ecuador and recent victory over France, but Germany's superior depth, creativity and firepower make them deserved market leaders.
The 19/5 draw reflects the expectation of a competitive contest, particularly with Germany's recent defensive vulnerabilities and the Elephants' dangerous attacking options capable of causing problems.
Germany vs Ivory Coast Bet Builder Tip
- Franck Kessié To Be Shown A Card
- Yan Diomande 2+ Fouls Won
- Kai Havertz Anytime Scorer
Franck Kessié To Be Shown A Card
Kessié’s physical midfield style often leads to high engagement in duels, and he picked up a booking after a three-foul performance against Ecuador in the opening game.
This matchup against Germany is expected to be significantly more intense in midfield, with Musiala and Pavlović ranking second and third for fouls won in their side.
With Germany likely to dominate possession phases, Kessié may be forced into repeated defensive actions, increasing the likelihood of another card in a high-tempo midfield battle.
Yan Diomande 2+ Fouls Won
Yan Diomande showed the world what he was capable of in the opener against Ecuador and he put up some impressive numbers:
- 5 key passes
- 1 big chance created
- 4/6 successful dribbles
- 11/15 duels won
It was quite evident he was Ivory Coast's go to man, by the second half Ecuador were doubling up on him whenever he got the ball.
His 1 v 1 ability was plain to see and the ease with which he went past a Champions League finalist in Hinacapie a number of times was very impressive.
He completed the most successful dribbles per 90 in the Bundesliga last season.
Germany will be keen to shut him down and this sets him up to draw fouls.
Yan Diomande Fouls Won for country: 2, 1, 1, 2, 1, 2, 0, 0
He averaged 1.52 fouls won per 90.
He is up against Brown who fouled twice in the opener and Pavlovic is on his side of the pitch who committed 6 fouls.
At evens this looks like a solid angle.
Kai Havertz Anytime Scorer
Kai Havertz looks a strong anytime goalscorer candidate here because almost every underlying angle points towards him getting chances in this match.
He arrives in red-hot finishing form, with five goals across his last five appearances for club and country, showing he’s carrying consistent end product rather than a short hot streak. That matters in a Germany side that are generating chances in volume – especially after putting seven past Curacao last time out.
Germany’s attacking pattern also suits him. They’ve scored first in nine of their last ten internationals, which means Havertz is often attacking against a stretched, reactive defence rather than having to force openings against a settled block. In that kind of game state, his movement between the lines and timing in the box becomes much more dangerous.
Ivory Coast’s setup adds another layer. With Elye Wahi missing and the forward line reshuffled, they’re less settled defensively and likely to spend longer periods under sustained pressure. Against a Germany side that dominate possession and create heavily through Musiala, Wirtz and Sane, that increases the number of high-quality touches Havertz gets in and around the six-yard box.
On top of that, he carries penalty responsibility and has a habit of stepping up in high-profile matches. Combined with Germany’s attacking dominance and Ivory Coast’s likely need to open up at some stage, it puts him in a prime position to add to his tournament tally.
