Germany secure a valuable 1-1 draw with Spain

• Germany scored late on Sunday evening to secure a crucial draw with Spain in their second Group E fixture. 
• The 2014 World Cup winners have kept their hopes of progressing to the next round alive after the draw. 

Germany secured a crucial draw on Sunday night as they faced Spain at Al Bayt Stadium in their second Group E fixture. 

Hansi Flick’s men know their hopes of progressing to the round of 16 remain intact despite failing to defeat Spain. 

Germany went into the match against Spain knowing that a victory would see them through to the round of 16 if they defeat Costa Rica next week.  

However, the game that deserved more goals ended with a scoreline of 1-1.

The game ended 1-1. Photo/ TSN.

Germany vs Spain clash was a heavyweight battle considering both teams have recently won the World Cup. 

Heading into the match, Spain manager Luis Enrique had a starting XI comprised of youthful brilliance and the old like Sergio Busquets. 

Germany also went into the match with a team that had both old and young talents like Jamal Musiala. This match was to be a redemption for Germany, who suffered a shocking 2-1 defeat to Japan last week. 

Spain had the better of the first half at Al Bayt Stadium. The 2010 World Cup champions nearly found the back of the net in the first ten minutes, but Germany’s Manuel Neuer did a massive job to force Dani Olmo’s shot onto the crossbar. 

Spain passed the ball easily and controlled the game, but they had a problem breaking into German’s defence. Antonio Rudiger gave his team a reason to celebrate, but their joy was cut short after the referee ruled the goal offside. 

Spain’s creativity throughout the match eventually paid off in the 62nd minute as Alvaro Morata beat his marker to put the ball into the back of the net. 

Hansi Flick made changes a few minutes later, knowing his side was in danger of being eliminated from the biggest tournament in the world. 

He introduced Leroy Sane, Niclas Fullkrug and Lukas Klostermann in place of Ilkay Gundogan, Thomas Muller and Thilo Kehrer. 

And it was the substitute Niclas Fullkrug who scored the equalizer in the 83rd minute, just thirteen minutes after coming on.

Niclas Fullkrug celebrates his goal. Photo/ NZ Herald.

Germany had the opportunity to win the game in the last seconds of added time, but Leroy Sane failed to convert his chance. 

What Happens Next In Group E? 

The draw leaves Spain top of the group needing just one point in their next fixture to proceed to the knockout stages. 

On the other hand, Germany must secure victory over Costa Rica in their last group fixture. If Hansi Flick’s men secure a win over Costa Rica, their progress will depend on Japan losing to Spain. 

If Japan ends up drawing with Spain, it will all come down to goal difference. This is arguably the toughest group in this tournament. 

But things wouldn’t have been tough for Germany if they had not fumbled against Japan.