Ivory Coast await without Ndicka as Germany eye last 16

Second test: Ivory Coast tonight

Germany face Ivory Coast in Toronto on Saturday at 22:00 CEST, the second Group E match for Nagelsmann's side (1) (2) (6). A win all but seals the round of 16. Ivory Coast are without their defensive leader Evan Ndicka, who will miss his second straight group game (3). That opens the door for an attack that put seven past Curacao.

Ndicka out, Germany's attack can exploit it

Evan Ndicka is not fit. The Ivory Coast centre-back and key defensive anchor remains sidelined for Saturday's match (3). Against a German front line that ran riot in the opener, his absence is a significant blow for the Ivorians. Nagelsmann will expect Musiala, Wirtz, and company to find the gaps.

Undav: no need to be the cult hero

Deniz Undav came off the bench against Curacao and delivered, one goal, two assists in the 7–1 win (8). But he is not interested in playing a character. "It does no good to just keep yapping, just to be the cult striker," Undav said after the match (8). The contribution spoke for itself.

Rüdiger excited about Mourinho at Madrid

Antonio Rüdiger broke his silence on José Mourinho's arrival at Real Madrid. "I can't say too much, but I can say that I'm incredibly excited. Finally, I'm going to play under his management," Rüdiger said (7). He added that past moves never materialised, which makes this one sweeter: "That's why I'm even happier to welcome him to us now" (7).

Fan reactions

Bayern fans are mostly laughing off the Olise-to-Madrid noise. The consensus on Reddit: €220m is monopoly money, Bayern hold the leverage with a contract until 2029, and no one seriously believes the club will sell. A few are more cautious, pointing out that Real Madrid tend to get what they want eventually. Read the full thread.