Germany and Ivory Coast clash in Group E after contrasting openers

Germany's opening statement was emphatic. Kai Havertz and company dismantled Curaçao with multiple threats across the pitch, with Havertz scoring twice, Musiala finding the net, and contributions from Nmecha, Schlotterbeck, Brown, and Undav. Julian Nagelsmann's side demonstrated the attacking breadth that underpinned their pre-tournament form. The performance suggested further levels remain; Germany won their last nine matches heading into the tournament and the rout confirmed their attacking credentials early in Group E.

Ivory Coast, by contrast, needed late drama to edge past Ecuador. Amad Diallo, deployed as a substitute from the 56th minute, converted the decisive chance in the 90th minute after Ivory Coast had laboured for much of the match. Yan Diomande, the teenage RB Leipzig winger, was lively down the right flank and created dangerous opportunities. The 2023 AFCON champions showed resilience and a knack for finishing when it mattered, but also exposed defensive vulnerabilities earlier in the match.

The model's probability significantly favours Germany, reflecting their superior recent form, attacking depth, and experience at this level. Germany's adjusted Elo ratings sit well clear, and their opening performance justified pre-tournament expectations. Ivory Coast have attacking talent—Diallo, Diomande, and Elye Wahi offer punch—but the model's assessment suggests Germany enter as substantial favourites. The implied prices the market has attached to both sides show relatively tight odds, which creates a gap between the desk's quantitative view and current pricing.

Defensively, Germany showed some sloppiness against Curaçao, conceding early and leaving space on transitions. Ivory Coast, though they capitalized on late opportunities, were not clinical in open play and relied on a substitute's intervention. Neither team has provided a bulletproof defensive template so far. Germany's midfield depth and attacking options across the frontline—Havertz, Musiala, Wirtz, Sané, and Undav—remain the decisive factor. Ivory Coast will lean on the pace and directness of Diomande and the experience of their AFCON-winning core, but the model suggests that difference in quality favours the pre-tournament favourites.

Group E now stands level on points after two fixtures each. Germany's path and Ivory Coast's resilience suggest both teams have a realistic chance of progression, but the desk's Elo prior and relative form point to a clear hierarchy in this matchup.