India, June 21 -- Something was missing. something beyond the scoreline, as Germany trailed Ivory Coast 1-0. The search for an equaliser fell on the shoulders of a talented frontline - Leroy Sane on the right, Florian Wirtz on the left, Kai Havertz in the centre with Jamal Musiala pulling strings from just behind. They played quick, fluid passes to each other, opened up channels, and created chances.

But could not find a finish in front of a strong and disciplined Ivorian defence. For all their vast talent and proven ability to score goals, the three are excellent attacking players but not bonafide strikers. Germany was missing a specialist frontman.

In stepped Deniz Undav from the bench. In the 30 minutes plus stoppage time that he was...