(Football news) It was a clash between the two titans as Spain took on Germany at the Al Bayt Stadium in front of 68,895 fans. Four time World Cup winners Germany were desperate for a result, especially after their shocking defeat to Japan in their opening match. It was Niclas Fullkrug’s late goal in the 83rd minute that salvaged a 1-1 draw for the Die Mannschaft after they went a goal behind thanks to Alvaro Morata in the 62nd minute. The result means that Hansi Flick’s side have a narrow chance of reaching the Round of 16 if they defeat Costa Rica (especially by a big goal margin) while Japan lose against Spain (or have a low scoring draw).
Germany went toe-to-toe against Spain with Antonio Rudiger seeing a goal disallowed in the first half after VAR disallowed it for offside while the La Roja goalkeeper Unai Simon was forced to make a save from Jamal Musiala in the second half. Luis Enrique introduced Alvaro Morata in the second half and it immediately paid dividends as the striker found the back of the net around the hour mark with a deft flick from close range, which went past Manuel Neuer. However, Germany, who were fighting for their place in the competition, managed to score an equaliser through Niclas Fullkrug in the 83rd minute when the 29 year old unleashed a fierce shot.
While a draw is far from an ideal result for Germany, they were lucky as Costa Rica defeated Japan in the other Group E fixture, which means a victory against Costa Rica by two goals or more could be enough for Germany to reach the next round, especially considering that it’s unlikely that Japan will defeat Spain. La Roja couldn’t maintain the level of performance they showed against Costa Rica, albeit against more formidable opponents this time around.
If Japan draws against Spain while Germany defeats Costa Rica by a goal, it will be Japan who go through (because of goal difference and head-to-head record) in what would be consecutive Group Stage eliminations for the four time World Champions. As for Spain, Luis Enrique’s team could be knocked out in the unlikely event Japan defeats them by four or more goals while Germany also secure a big win while Costa Rica simply have to do better than Japan in order to progress.
“I was on the bench talking to Thomas Muller and we felt there was a goal for us. The finish from Niclas was unbelievable, a typical striker’s finish and he stood up when we really needed it.”
Germany midfielder Ilkay Gundogan
The result meant that Germany has gone winless in the first two matches of a World Cup for the first time since 1938 while Fullkrug’s equaliser meant that Germany have never lost their first two matches at a World Cup.
“Two teams that could be in a semifinal or final of the World Cup. The most important thing is to win, but they scored an amazing goal and it was unlucky we didn’t have the victory.”
Spain forward Alvaro Morata
The 30 year old became the 19th different goal scorer for Spain at multiple World Cups with his second goal of the tournament.
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