Niclas Fullkrug’s late equaliser leaves the group E qualification open for all possibilities as Spain v Germany ended in 1-1 draw. Germany’s last 16 hopes are still alive but they will have to depend on the result of Spain v Japan for their qualification.
Click here to watch the highlights of Spain v Germany.
Starting line-up of Spain and Germany
Luis Enrique’s Spain started with a 4-3-3 formation. Azpilicueta was replaced by Carvajal in the line-up from previous game. Asensio, Olmo and Ferran formed the front three. Barca trio Pedri, Gavi and Busquets occupied the midfield. Laporte, Rodri, Carvajal and Alba formed the back line. Unai Simon started as the goal keeper.
Hansi Flick went with a 4-2-3-1 formation with Muller taking up the false 9 role from Havertz. Musiala, Gundagon and Gnabry formed rest of the attack. Goretzka was paired up with Kimmich in the midfield. Raum, Rudiger, Sule and Kehrer started in defence. Manuel Neuer was guarding the German goal.
First half : Spain in full control
The first half saw Spain dominate the possession completely with a 68% ball possession. The Germans were pressing intensely to win the ball back and get into the game. Dani Olmo’s thunderbolt at the opening minutes were one of the best of opportunities for Spain to score. Manuel Neuer had a hand to it which led the ball to hit the crossbar and go out. Germany were getting into the game with the set pieces that came their way. Rudiger scored from a set piece to give Germany the lead. VAR checks ruled it as offside. The first half ended at 0-0 with no other big chances for both the sides.
Second half : Germany come back from behind
The second half saw Germany step up their game and the tactical battle between Luis Enrique and Hansi Flick peaked. Spain managed to have more of the ball but couldn’t generate a definitive goal scoring chance. Enrique brought in Morata and the striker rewarded back with a goal thanks to Jordi Alba’s assist. With less than 30 minutes of regulatory time, Germany pulled up their socks and started looking for an equaliser. Musiala was being a major threat for Spanish side and when the defense was caught napping super sub Fullkrug scored an equaliser from Musiala’s assist. Germany’s hopes of qualification were still alive and it could have improved much better as they had a chance to grab all 3 points. Sane rounded off the keeper and failed to find a way to goal at the dying moments.
At full time it was 1-1 and Germany now have to win their final fixture against Costa Rica and hope for a favourable result from Spain v Japan.
