Germany made an impressive start to their campaign with a 7-1 victory over tournament newcomers Curacao, while Ivory Coast left it late to secure a 1-0 win over Ecuador. The results set up a crucial clash between the two sides as they battle for control of the group.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's encounter in Toronto, Nagelsmann highlighted the speed and quality of the African champions as key strengths that Germany must contain.

"They have great defence. They have, on all three front positions, a lot of speed," Nagelsmann said through a translator.

The Germany coach singled out Ivory Coast forward Nicolas Pepe for special praise after analysing their recent performances.

"During the last game with Pepe, he was really not reachable. He was everywhere," he said.

Nagelsmann also pointed to Ivory Coast's strength in midfield, admitting that his side would have to work hard to limit their influence throughout the match.

"We took some measures and prepared accordingly so we can take away as much strength as possible," he said.

"We will not always be successful because they are just too good, but we will play our own match."

The German coach also came to the defence of Leroy Sane after criticism of the winger's display against Curacao. Although Sane played the full 90 minutes, he failed to score in Germany's dominant victory.

"It bothers me because I don't like it when reporters write something like this about my players," Nagelsmann said.

However, he challenged the Galatasaray winger to answer his critics on the pitch.

"I think he has to convince you to write better about him. I don't think it changes his self-confidence. It helps when he has a good match, and then tomorrow he will have a good match as well."

Germany know a victory over Ivory Coast would put them in a strong position to reach the knockout stage before their final Group E fixture against Ecuador.

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