Ivory Coast coach Emerse Faé criticized Germany's conduct during their World Cup match held on Saturday, expressing disappointment over what he described as a lack of fair play by the German team. Germany ultimately secured a 2-1 victory with a stoppage-time goal from Deniz Undav.

Faé’s main concern centered on an incident in the 80th minute involving Ivory Coast defender Wilfried Singo. After a physical challenge with German midfielder Kai Havertz, Singo sustained an injury and deliberately kicked the ball out of play. He then remained down on the field, which interrupted the game and temporarily halted German momentum. Faé suggested that Germany’s reaction, which included visible frustration and a raised tempers, was unwarranted and that the Germans missed an opportunity to exhibit sportsmanship by returning the ball to Ivory Coast upon resumption.

“You would have expected a bit more fair play from a great nation like Germany when Singo kicked the ball out of play because of an injury,” Faé said during the post-match news conference, adding that his team had hoped the Germans would return possession to them.

The Ivory Coast coach also recounted a verbal exchange with German full-back Nathaniel Brown. Faé said he advised Brown to remain humble despite his strong performance and the strength of the German side. Faé criticized what he perceived as dismissive remarks from Brown while Germany was trailing or the score was level.

“It’s true, he played a brilliant game; he’s part of a very, very strong national team. But I don’t think he needs to speak ill of us just because his team are behind, or because the score is 1-1 and he’d like to win,” Faé remarked.

The match’s late winning goal by Germany underscored a tense and closely fought encounter that left the Ivory Coast coach frustrated both by the result and what he viewed as unsportsmanlike behavior. German officials and players have not publicly responded to the accusations as of the match’s conclusion.