Deniz Undav's rise from the factory floor to World Cup hero is one of football's most compelling stories — and the Stuttgart striker is not done writing it yet.

The 29-year-old came off the bench to score twice as Germany staged a dramatic comeback against Ivory Coast, winning 2-1 to advance to the knockout stages for the first time since their triumphant 2014 campaign. With three goals and two assists across just two substitute appearances, Undav has accumulated five goal involvements at this tournament — equalling Cameroon's Roger Milla in 1990 for the most by a substitute at a World Cup since 1966.

A very public dispute, then a remarkable response

Undav's place in Germany's squad was never guaranteed. After scoring a last-gasp winner as a substitute against Ghana in March, he openly declared his ambition to fight for a starting position — a comment that drew a sharp rebuke from manager Julian Nagelsmann, who warned the striker was putting unnecessary pressure on himself.

Nagelsmann went as far as suggesting Undav would not have scored that winner had he started the match, before later acknowledging he had apologised to the forward. Undav's response has been to let his performances speak for him — loudly.

His tally now stands at nine goals in 11 international appearances, and Nagelsmann hinted after Saturday's win that Undav could start Germany's final group match against Ecuador on Thursday.