Germany salvages draw against Spain but World Cup hopes, though slim, still hang in the balance.
World Cup 2022 highlights – Germany 1-1 Spain, La Roja scored first but late goal by Niclas Füllkrug gave Die Mannschaft little hope of surviving the group-stage.
The game was entertaining with an eventful second half as two goals scored. Alvaro Morata gave Spain the lead after the hour mark, but Germany’s substitute Niclas Füllkrug became hero with a late equalizer.
Game highlights
The historic defeat by Japan in the opening game of group E obviously shook Germany’s spirit as Hansi Flick’s men knew that Spain could very well kick them out early.
As such, Germany had to make a statement in a somewhat, rematch of 2010 World Cup’s semi-final against Luis Enrique’s Spain.
However, the former Bayern Munich manager’s side looked stagnant and out of ideas for much of match.
Both sides made bright starts in this most-expected clash, with the goalkeepers being tested early on.
Inside five minutes, Manuel Neuer tipped Dani Olmo’s thunderous strike onto the crossbar, only before Unai Simón rushed out to save Serge Gnabry’s effort.
Counter-attack was Germany’s favorite tactics, as they knew how good Spain has been with possession.
The 1st half ended without goals, but five minutes to go until half-time.
Germany thought it had found a crucial breakthrough as Antonio Rüdiger headed home from Joshua Kimmich’s free-kick, only to have his goal ruled out for offside by VAR.
Flick’s side almost took advantage of Simon’s error 10 minutes after the restart, but the Athletic Bilbao’s atoned for what he had done almost immediately.
Just when it looked as though Germany was close to score, Spain found the breakthrough thanks to substitute Morata, who ran onto Jordi Alba’s low cross and poked the ball past Neuer.
With time running out for Germany and a result looking increasingly unlikely, substitute Füllkrug appeared in the box to latch onto a touch from Musiala that had fortuitously fallen into his path.
The 29-year-old Werder Bremen striker made no mistake and struck an unstoppable effort into the top corner..
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What Germany have to do to survive?
The draw means that Flick’s team becomes the first Germany side in World Cup history to fail to win either of its opening two group matches.
Germany needs to beat Costa Rica and hope Spain defeats Japan or, if Japan earns a draw, ensure it has a superior goal difference.
So, to sum it up, Germany must not lose in the final group E’s game while need a favor from their rival in order to stay in the World Cup for more.
Even at the start of the matchday there is always a surprising attack on each side and both are struggling as our world cup favorites.
