Füllkrug spares wasteful Germany from Spain defeat

Germany and Spain played out a see-sawing encounter that saw them share the points and maintain their chances of progressing to the Round of 16.

Spain v Germany: FIFA World Cup 2022

AL KHOR, QATAR - NOVEMBER 27: Niclas Fullkrug (9) of Germany celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group E match between Spain and Germany at Al Bayt Stadium on November 27, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar. (Photo by Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) Source: Anadolu / Anadolu Agency/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

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Germany have given themselves hope of avoiding another early World Cup exit by snatching a 1-1 draw with Spain as substitute Niclas Füllkrug fired home an 83rd minute equaliser.

The result leaves Germany facing a must-win match against Costa Rica in four days' time and also means Spain have yet to book their spot in the knockout phase of the tournament.
Germany were looking in danger of suffering another early exit from the World Cup, after being eliminated following the group stage in 2018, before Füllkrug took advantage of Jamal Musiala's battling in the box to fire high into the net past Unai Simon in Spain's goal.

Alvaro Morata, himself a substitute, had increased the jeopardy for the Germans when he neatly flicked in a cross by Jordi Alba to score for Spain in the 62nd minute.

The Spaniards looked more relaxed from the start, cutting through Germany with their angled passing, and Dani Olmo almost created an early breakthrough in the seventh minute but his shot was palmed onto the bar by Manuel Neuer.

Germany went into their encounter against Spain at the Al Bayt Stadium under immense pressure after suffering a shock defeat to Japan in their opening match.

Hansi Flick's men thought they had taken an unlikely lead in the 39th minute when defender Antonio Rudiger powered in a header from a Joshua Kimmich free kick, but the German celebrations were cut short as VAR quickly ruled that he was offside.
Spain goalkeeper Simon was forced into his first save in the 56th minute when the 2010 champions got into trouble trying to play out of defence, allowing Kimmich to shoot from just inside the penalty area but Simon saved impressively.

Simon also faced one-on-one situations against Musiala and Sane, but was equal to stopping the threat, with Musiala in particular wasteful with his shot straight at the keeper.

Spain top the standings with four points and now need only a draw in their final Group E game against Japan to progress. A win would send them through to the knockout round in first place.

Germany, who lost 2-1 in their opener against Japan, are 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 would come down to goal difference or goals scored by Germany and Japan.

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