Fullkrug earns crucial point as Germany keep World Cup hopes alive

Jon Radcliffe

Niclas Fullkrug celebrates after equalising for Germany against Spain.AFP

Germany’s World Cup destiny remains in the balance after coming from behind to seal a 1-1 draw with Spain in an evenly-matched encounter at the Al-Bayt Stadium in Al Khor.

Costa Rica’s 1-0 victory over Japan earlier in the day boosted Germany’s chances of progression to the Round of 16 despite their opening 2-1 defeat to the Samurai Blue. Still, the task of getting something against a Spanish side who were irresistible in their 7-0 win during matchday one was an ominous one. Luis Enrique’s men were dominant in possession throughout the early exchanges, and only a stunning one-handed Manuel Neuer stop denied Dani Olmo’s ferocious strike.

However, the longer the first half went on, the more Die Mannschaft grew into the game, and they appeared to have taken the lead when Antonio Rüdiger headed Joshua Kimmich’s free-kick beyond Unai Simón. German celebrations were cut short, though, as the effort was quickly ruled out for offside. Spain mixed up their attacking tactics a little and tried to play Olmo in behind an occasionally-high opposition defence, but Hansi Flick’s backline seemed far more comfortable than in their previous outing.

Spain v Germany match statsOpta by Stats Perform

After rarely threatening before the break, Germany looked more dangerous initially after the interval, their high press earning a chance for Joshua Kimmich. Simón was equal to it, though, unlike Neuer from substitute Álvaro Morata’s flick at the other end. The striker was found at the near post by Jordi Alba and finished with aplomb, putting Germany under huge pressure.

Flick rolled the dice by making three changes, and two of them, Leroy Sané and Niclas Füllkrug, were involved for the equaliser. The former’s burst and pass found the impressive Jamal Musiala, who bundled a ball through to Füllkrug. This was only the Werder Bremen forward’s third international cap, but he buried his shot with the confidence of a player with much more international experience.

While Germany remain bottom of Group E with just one point, a two-goal win against Costa Rica in their final match will see them through unless Japan do not beat Spain. Enrique and Co, meanwhile, need only a draw to progress, although they will be looking for a victory to guarantee top spot.

Flashscore Man of the Match: Jamal Musiala (Germany)