Niclas Fullkrug handed Germany a valuable point against Spain as they battle for survival at the World Cup.
Germany’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage had been given an unlikely lifeline earlier on Sunday when Costa Rica beats Japan while any other result would have meant a loss to Spain would send them off.
Hansi Flick’s side have yet to beat Costa Rica in their final Group E game and hope Japan don’t create a clash against Spain, but at least they know their hopes of making it to the last 16 are intact after falling behind at Al Bayt Stadium.
Spain, who nearly took the lead in the first half when goalkeeper Manuel Neuer turned Dani Olmo’s shot over the bar, took the lead after 62 minutes when substitute Alvaro Morata applied a punch brilliant on the center of Jordi Alba.
Germany pushed forward and Fullkrug gave them a point seven minutes from time when he burst in and struck an unstoppable finish past Spain keeper Unai Simon.
Leroy Sane almost won it for Germany in the dying seconds but ran out of space as he ran on goal and the ball was cleared.
Impressive Spain a threat
Manager Luis Enrique has brought together an impressive mix of youth and experience as Spain seek to reclaim the World Cup crown they won in 2010.
It has the youthful brilliance of 18-year-old Gavi and Pedri, just 20, but also the old-timer who has seen it all in the form of Sergio Busquets alongside Dani Alba and decorated Manchester City pair Aymeric Laporte and Rodri.
Gavi, the Barcelona wonderkid who became the youngest World Cup goalscorer since Pelé in 1958 when he was on target in the 7-0 win over Costa Rica, was quiet here and was eventually substituted, but his talent is undisputed.
Spain’s deft passing was fun to watch, but when the more studied style failed to find a breakthrough, Enrique was able to apply Plan B in the form of the more direct and powerful Morata, who produced that shot instinctive for the first goal.
They will be disappointed to cash in so late and still have work to do in their final group game against Japan, but there is a lot to admire in this Spanish side.
Germany show their character
Germany could have been at its lowest after the embarrassment of defeat against Japan in their opening game, but history tells us they can never be fired and that proved here in this very entertaining game.
Flick’s side had to survive that first-half scare when Neuer turned Olmo’s shot superbly over the bar, but they dug deep after Morata put Spain ahead and were rewarded when Fullkrug, the 29-year-old latecomer in international football, put his foot through an emphatic finish.
Germany still have to beat Costa Rica on Thursday to have any chance of staying in the World Cup, but there was certainly plenty here to suggest they can and it was an impressive display of character after what happened. passed in their opening game.
They also have to hope that Japan don’t beat Spain, but they will be helped by the fact that Enrique’s side need something from this game and therefore won’t lack motivation.
