Germany should have the ball more, with the matchup likely set by their **half-space combinations** and vertical attacks versus Ivory Coast’s **direct transition game** and wide pace. Germany’s key edge is between the lines: **Kai Havertz** and **Lennart Karl** can pull Ivory Coast’s midfield and fullbacks apart if they receive cleanly, while **Deniz Undav** gives them a penalty-area reference to finish the moves. Ivory Coast’s best route is to win it and break immediately through **Nicolas Pépé**, **Parfait Guiagon**, and **Ange-Yoan Bonny**, targeting the space behind Germany’s advancing fullbacks and the moments after possession turnovers. It likely comes down to whether Germany can keep rest-defense compact enough to stop those counters; if they do, their structure and chance volume should tilt the game, but if Ivory Coast turns it into repeated transition races, the underdog can swing it.
