Fuellkrug strikes late to salvage Germany World Cup draw with Spain, In a titanic World Cup match on Sunday, Niclas Fuellkrug’s late equalizer gave Germany a heartening 1-1 draw with Spain, keeping both teams’ chances of moving on to the round of 16 in doubt. Spain was on track to advance from Group E thanks to Alvaro Morata’s flicked finish, but the electric Jamal Musiala and Fuellkrug worked together to stop La Roja and restore some German honor. After Germany’s shocking defeat to the Asian team, Costa Rica’s unexpected victory over Japan earlier in the day helped to relieve some of the strain, but they were unable to capitalize for lengthy stretches against Spain in a duel for the ball.
Fuellkrug strikes late to salvage Germany World Cup draw with Spain
The four-time world champions suffered a humiliating group-stage exit in Russia four years ago, and Morata’s strike at Al Bayt Stadium had them on the ropes, but Werder Bremen striker Fuellkrug finished brilliantly to divide the points. Spain lead Group E on four points, from Japan and Costa Rica on three each, while Germany have one, with a final round of matches to come.
The only World Cup group-stage clash to pit two former champions against each other lived up to its top billing in intensity and tactical intrigue, with both sides set on trying to dominate possession and press extremely high. Germany coach Hansi Flick rejected suggestions his side had been distracted in their shock opening defeat by Japan because of their pre-game protest against FIFA “silencing teams” and the taut opening exchanges quickly ensured all focus was on the football.
Flick cut Kai Havertz from his line-up and deployed Thomas Mueller up front after their shocking opening-day capitulation, hoping for a quick reaction. However, Spain almost took the lead in the seventh minute when Manuel Neuer palmed Dani Olmo’s powerful drive from range onto the woodwork. It seemed like they were picking up where they left off after their 7-0 demolition of Costa Rica, but Germany steeled themselves, keeping Luis Enrique’s side at bay.
– Clinical Morata –
Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon relied on his footwork under pressure as La Roja sought to dominate possession. One mistake handed Serge Gnabry an opportunity, but he fired wide. Neuer erred with the ball at his feet too, with Germany similarly looking to build from the back, but Ferran Torres could not capitalize. Antonio Ruediger powered home a header from a free-kick, but his celebration was cut short after VAR caught him half a step ahead of the Spanish defence, leaving the teams tied at the break.
Germany nearly struck after Joshua Kimmich won the ball back pressing extremely high, but Simon produced a fine save to deny him. Just when Luis Enrique’s side seemed to have lost their grip on the game, they broke the deadlock. Morata, on for Torres, finished clinically at the near post from an inviting low cross from Jordi Alba after 62 minutes.
The 2010 winners appeared to have achieved victory, but Fuellkrug, making just his third international appearance, had other plans. With seven minutes left, he slipped past Simon by creeping up behind substitute Alejandro Balde. Leroy Sane, who was brought on as a replacement after getting hurt, might have given Germany the victory late on, but he was forced extremely wide as he rounded Simon and was unable to find a way to score or make a cutback. Germany plays Costa Rica on Thursday, having to win, and praying La Roja does not lose, while Spain plays Japan.
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