Nicklas Phil Krug gave Germany a valuable point against Spain as they fight for World Cup survival.
Germany’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages were given an unexpected lifeline on Sunday when Costa Rica beat Japan after any other result would have seen them sent out by Spain.
Hansi Flick’s side still need to beat Costa Rica in their final Group E game and will hope that Japan pull off a shock against Spain but at least they know that after falling behind at the Albeit Stadium. Their hopes of making it to the last 16 remain intact.
Spain, who almost went ahead in the first half when goalkeeper Manuel Neuer deflected Dani Olmo’s shot onto the bar, took the lead after 62 minutes when substitute Alvaro Morata headed in Jordi Alba’s cross at the near post. But took a wonderful flick.
Germany pushed forward and Phil Krug gave them a point seven minutes from the end when he curled an unstoppable finish past Spain keeper Unai Simon.
Leroy Sane almost won it for Germany in the dying seconds but was out of position as he ran at goal and the ball was cleared.
Impressive Spain threatened
Manager Luis Enrique has produced an impressive blend of youth and experience as Spain look to regain the World Cup crown they won in 2010.
He has the youthful glow of 18-year-old Gavi and Padre, who is just 20, but also the old hand who made it in the form of Sergio Busquets alongside Dani Alba and Manchester City’s decorated pair of Aymeric Laporte and Rodri. Have seen everything.
Gavi, the Barcelona stalwart who became the youngest World Cup goalscorer since Pele in 1958 when he was on target in a 7-0 win over Costa Rica, was quiet here and eventually replaced. But there is no doubt about his abilities.
Spain’s clever passing was easy on the eye but when a more studied approach failed to materialise, Enrique was able to implement Plan B in the form of the more direct and powerful Morata, who scored the opening goal. A natural shock.
They will be disappointed to concede so late and still have work to do in their final group game against Japan but there is much to admire in this Spain team.
Germany shows its character.
Germany may have slumped after the embarrassment of losing to Japan in their opening game but history tells us that they are never out and they proved it here in this highly entertaining game.
Flick’s side survived a first-half scare when Neuer did brilliantly to turn Olmo’s shot onto the bar, but they dug deep after Morata had put Spain ahead and when the 29-year-old international Flickragh, a latecomer to football, played his part. Foot through a vigorous finish.
Germany still need to beat Costa Rica on Thursday to stay in the World Cup but there was certainly more they could do and it was an impressive display of character after their opening game. It was a demonstration.
They also need to hope that Japan do not beat Spain but will be helped by the fact that Enrique’s side need something from this game so will not be short of motivation.
