Substitute Niclas Fullkrug rescues a point for Germany after Alvaro Morata had given Spain the lead in a lively showdown.Hansi Flick’s Germany retain hopes of last-16 qualification.
Substitute Niclas Fullkrug reignited Germany’s World Cup challenge with a scorching late equalising strike to claim a precious point against Spain at a rapt Al Bayt Stadium. Spain appeared on course for a second successive victory and a huge step towards the last 16 after Alvaro Morata came off the bench to convert a 62nd-minute Jordi Alba cross. But Fullkrug, who made a goalscoring Germany debut against Oman only 11 days ago, crashed an unstoppable strike past Unai Simon to earn a fully-merited point for Hansi Flick’s side.
Spain created the better of the early openings, Dani Olmo thumping the bar, via a vital touch from Manuel Neuer, and Alba rippling the side netting with an effort from distance. Antonio Rudiger thought he’d scored six minutes before the break but the Germany centre-back’s celebrations were halted by an offside flag.
Spain broke through when the predatory Morata darted in front of Niklas Skula at the front post to apply a decisive touch to Alba’s fizzing cross. Marco Asensio skied an attempt as Spain tried to put the game to bed. And Germany responded, Jamal Musiala forcing Simon into a fine one-handed stop, before Fullkrug beat the Spain goalkeeper with an unstoppable drive.
Niclas Fullkrug is the first Germany substitute to score in a World Cup match since Mario Gotze stepped off the bench to win the 2014 final against Argentina.
Spain coach Luis Enrique said “If after the [World Cup] draw we’d been told that after the first two matches we’d be leaders of the group and depend only on ourselves, I would have signed for that. A draw against Japan [in final group game] is enough, but we’re not going to speculate. “Yes, it’s a pity, the result, but we have to be happy because we are leaders in this group.”
Germany coach Hansi Flick said “The team maintained a great level. I am very satisfied with the mentality and the team’s work today. This was a match on a high level. Those are things we want to see from this team, but this was only a first step. We want to see [more in the] next match [against Costa Rica] and create the conditions to go through.”
Player of the Match:Alvaro Morata.
Their draw leaves Spain top of the group, needing just a point against Japan to guarantee a spot in the final 16 of the tournament.
Germany, who lost 2-1 in their opener against Japan, are at the bottom of the table on one point. They need to win against Costa Rica on Thursday and their hopes then depend on Japan losing. If Japan draw, it will all come down to goal difference.
Bengali