At Qatar's Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday night, substitute Niclas Fullkrug helped Germany earn a crucial point in a 1-1 draw with Spain to maintain the four-time World Cup champions' hopes of progressing from Group E.
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At the Al Bayt Stadium, Germany just about maintained their World Cup campaign after Niclas Fullkrug’s late goal salvaged a 1-1 draw with Spain. After Spain took the lead early in the second half thanks to Alvaro Morata, another substitute, Fullkrug, changed the dynamic and gave Germany their first point of the 2022 World Cup after their shocking loss to Japan. Germany competed admirably the entire time against a strong Spain team after Hansi Flick made adjustments to the lineup from that game. In the first half, Jamal Musiala forced a terrific save from Unai Simon after Antonio Rudiger’s goal was disallowed for offside.
Morata, who was introduced early in the second half, did succeed in scoring for Spain; Manuel Neuer was unable to stop his deft flick from close range. After Musiala’s turn, Fullkrug came back with a fierce finish, and Germany won the match. They continue to finish last in Group E, but things could have been worse. Even with one game left for them to play, Japan would have been eliminated from the tournament had they not defeated Costa Rica earlier in the day. Due to this draw, winning against Costa Rica would be sufficient unless Japan managed to surprise Spain once more. The team led by Luis Enrique was unable to match the fluidity of their 7-0 victory on Wednesday, but they did advance to the round of 16.
Jamal Muisala’s attempt with only the keeper to beat in the 73rd minute should have tied the score for Spain, but Simon saved it to preserve Spain’s lead. Germany, who had not lost three straight World Cup games in 60 years, made a valiant effort and should have drew level. Fullkrug received the ball by chance in the Spain penalty area as time was running out for Hansi Flick. He made no mistake with the finish, hitting a gorgeous shot past Simon to win Germany their first point of the tournament thus far.
