Niclas Fullkrug came off the bench to save Germany’s first Qatar World Cup point as they drew 1-1 with Spain at Al Bayt Stadium.
What happened in the game?
Spain replacement Alvaro Morata scored in the second half of the Group E heavyweights’ game in Doha on Sunday.
Despite this, Fullkrug ensured Germany avoided back-to-back defeats after they were upset by Japan in their first encounter, equalizing with seven minutes remaining in regulation time.
The draw puts Spain on top ahead of their final group game against Japan, with Germany needing to overcome Costa Rica and hope La Roja does them a favor to qualify.
The draw puts Spain on top ahead of their final group game against Japan, with Germany needing to overcome Costa Rica and hope La Roja does them a favor to qualify.
Spain got off to a fast start and almost took the lead when Dani Olmo’s effort was palmed against the crossbar by the quick Manuel Neuer.
Jordi Alba, a marauding full-back for La Roja, cut through from the left before firing a shot wide of the near post.
Well-drilled Without the ball, Germany worked diligently, and Antonio Rudiger felt he had opened the scoring late in the first half. The centre-back met Joshua Kimmich’s whirling free-kick from the right with a bullet header that struck the back of the net, but a VAR check revealed he was offside.
Early in the second half, Spain coach Luis Enrique replaced Ferran Torres with Morata, but Unai Simon saved a measured attempt by Kimmich.
Germany needed a recognized striker after starting Thomas Muller in a more advanced role than normal, with Kai Havertz dropping to the bench.
Morata, Spain’s substitute striker, broke the deadlock 62 minutes in, clinically hitting Neuer with the outside of his right foot from six yards after Alba picked him up.
Germany fought back well after falling behind, with Jamal Musiala having a fantastic chance to equalize when Simon stood up and extended his right arm to deny the teenager.
Fullkrug, on the other hand, seized his chance to get Germany started in the World Cup late on, shooting in with his right foot after bursting into the box and grabbing the ball off the energetic Musiala’s toe.
