Antonio Rüdiger replaces Nico Schlotterbeck vs. Ivory Coast in World Cup game

Germany won their opening game of the FIFA World Cup against Curacao 7-1, giving themselves a chance to ensure qualification in the second game against the impressive Ivory Coast. However, things have not gone to plan thus far after Franck Kessie scored the opening goal in the 30th minute at Toronto Stadium.

And well, per Jon Morosi, head coach Julian Nagelsmann has made a defensive change at halftime, bringing in Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger in place of Nico Schlotterbeck, who started as the left center back in their three-defender system. The Germans started with a 3-4-3 system with Leroy Sane, Kai Havertz and Florian Wirtz up top and a central midfield of Aleksandar Pavlović and Jamal Musiala.

However, despite dominating possession and creating several chances, Ivory Coast kept them at bay throughout the first period. The Ivorians have also started the World Cup in impressive fashion after a 1-0 win over Ecuador in their first game. The winger duo of Yan Diomande and Amad Diallo have been consistently impressive and also seemed intent on continuing their strong showing against Germany.

Still, it was Kessie who scored the opening goal, giving his team a strong foundation to build from. And while Ivory Coast kept Germany quiet for the first twenty minutes in the second half as well, Deniz Undav eventually found the net in the 68th minute to make it 1-1.

Ecuador, who take on Curacao in both teams’ second games, are pointless thus far, which means that Ivory Coast are primed to finish the second matchday placed 2nd in the group if they can win at least a point against the mighty Germans.

Manager Emerse Faé may therefore look to salvage a draw, even though Ivory Coast has not shied away from attacking thus far and look likely to counter when they can. Germany, on the other hand, are close to qualifying for the knockouts, and have a strong goal difference due to their big win in the first match.

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