Germany's Niclas Fullkrug scores their equaliser against Spain during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group E match at the Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor, Qatar, on November 27, 2022. REUTERS/Matthew Childs
Doha: Germany snatched a vital 1-1 draw against Spain keeping their hopes for the knockout stage alive after a thrilling Group E clash at the Al Bayt Stadium last night.
The four-time champions appeared to be in a precarious situation in their bid to avoid an early exit for the second consecutive World Cup after substitute Alvaro Morata put Spain ahead in the 62nd minute, eight minutes after entering the pitch. Germany had a goal disallowed in the first half.
But Hansi Flick’s 70th minute substitution Niclas Fullkrug, smashed an angular shot past Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon after an assist from Jamal Musiala in 83rd minute to earn a crucial point for Germany.
“It was a tough game because Germany have an amazing team. It was a really good game,” Morata said after the match.
“These were the teams that could be in a semi-final or the final. The most important thing is to win, but they scored an amazing goal and it was unlucky we didn’t have the victory,” he added.
Germany, who were shocked by Japan in their opening match, are on the bottom but they can enter the Round of 16 if they beat Costa Rica and hope
Spain to defeat Japan on December 1.
Luis Enrique’s Spain, who crushed Costa Rica 7-0 in their first match, sit top of the group with four points followed by Japan and Costa Rica, who have three points each.
“Japan is a tough team, they run a lot and are good tactically. It’s another hard game. We are in the World Cup and everyone can see that the games are crazy,” said Morata.
The match yesterday dubbed the first heavyweight clash of Qatar 2022 lived up to expectations with the European giants producing thrilling action in front of 68,895 spectators at Qatar’s magnificent marvel.
In a tie between the sides look to dominate opposition, it was a pulsating start with Germany - desperate for victory - making early surges as Serge Gnabry looked dangerous sneaking into opponents’ box.
Spain, fresh from their goal-scoring spree against Costa Rica, almost scored inside the first ten minutes but Dani Olmo’s dangerous hit from outside the box was brilliantly saved by Manuel Neuer, who was making his 18th appearance tying Brazil’s Cláudio Taffarel and Germany’s Sepp Maier for most outings at the World Cup.
The La Rojas took control of the game keeping possession for longer periods leaving German fans quiet in the middle of the first half. In another scare for them, Jordi Alba fired a shot from a distance but it hit the side-netting with a diving Neuer chasing the ball on his right.
As Spain were pressing hard for their opening goal, Germany thought they have got the one when Antonio Rudiger smashed in a running header off a free kick, six minutes before half-time.
But the Real Madrid defender was ruled offside by VAR, sending Spain’s supporters into raptures.
Rudiger was in action again but Simon comfortably blocked his volley on target in the stoppage time.
Enrique’s side dominated the first session but Germany looked dangerous in set pieces as it would have been a different story had Rudiger was onside.
Simon made a flying save from a fiery Joshua Kimmich hit after Ilkay Gundogan found the Bayern Munich winger in the middle just inside the box before the hour-mark.
Germany were attacking more in the second half but were stunned by Morata, who picked a low cross from Alba at the left and flick the ball past Neur, leaving Enrique in jubilation and Flick dejected.
After further attempts from Spain, Fullkrug – one of three 70th minute substitutions by Flick – missed a dangerous cross from Musiala allowing Spanish defender to clear the ball.
Germany won a free kick just outside the box but Kimmich’s strike was deflected away by Spain’s wall before Fullkrug scored the equaliser.
Atlético Madrid’s Morata threatened Germany in last moments before a late exchange wrapped up an intriguing clash between the Europeans, who returned with a point each.
“We needed that. Probably it was meant to be that way. We could have scored earlier. We scored but unfortunately it was disallowed,” said Germany’s Gundogan.
“We had a couple of really good chances as well. Maybe if you look just at the chances, we were a little bit better, but I think at the end, the result is fair against a very tough Spanish side.”
