FIFAWC 2022: Germany, Spain share spoils in thrilling encounter
Fullkrug saves Die Mannschaft with late equaliser
Germany and Spain played out a 1-1 draw in a battle of the heavyweights in Group E at the Al Bayt Stadium on Matchday 2 of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The European powerhouses played out a stalemate to leave their group open until the final group game.
After their 7-0 drubbing of Costa Rica in their opener, Spain sought to become only the second side to reach the knockout stage in Qatar. Germany, on the other hand, faced a battle to remain in the tournament following their opening-day defeat to Japan.
Both sides started the game in high-octane fashion as they looked to outwit each other. Spain retained control of possession, dominating the ball. They almost found the back of the net in the first half through Ferran Torres, but the Barcelona forward snatched at his finish.
Spain took the lead in the second half through substitute Alvaro Morata in the 64th minute. The Atletico Madrid striker showed great movement to peel away from his marker before applying a first-time finish using the outside of his boot to a low cross from Jordi Alba.
Spain faced their first real threat of the second half as teenage sensation Jamal Musiala was played in by Leroy Sane, but the 19-year-old hit the ball straight at La Roja goalkeeper Unai Simon.
Die Mannschaft eventually found themselves level in the 83rd minute as substitute striker Niclas Fullkrug showed great technique to finish the ball from inside the box after Musiala had dragged the ball into the box with him.
Germany had a chance in the 95th minute to win the match after Sane was played in, but the winger was well-marshalled by Simon and forced to go wide, allowing the Spanish backline to get back in shape.
The sides left Al Bayt Stadium with a point each, leaving their group balanced on a knife’s edge. Spain tops the group with four points and Japan are second after their defeat to Costa Rica earlier in the day. Germany needs to defeat Costa Rica and hope Spain defeats Japan to qualify for the knockout stages.
