Niclas Fullkrug’s late equaliser snatched Germany a morale-boosting 1-1 draw with Spain in a heavyweight World Cup conflict on Sunday, leaving each side’ hopes of qualifying for the final 16 nonetheless within the stability. Alvaro Morata’s flicked end had Spain on target to safe qualification from Group E, however the electrical Jamal Musiala and Fullkrug mixed to foil La Roja and restore some German satisfaction. Costa Rica’s shock win over Japan earlier eased some strain on Germany after their shock loss to the Asian facet, however they had been unable to capitalise for giant intervals in a battle for the ball in opposition to Spain.

The four-time world champions suffered a humiliating group-stage exit in Russia 4 years in the past, and Morata’s strike at Al Bayt Stadium had them on the ropes, however Werder Bremen striker Fullkrug completed brilliantly to divide the factors.

Spain lead Group E on 4 factors, from Japan and Costa Rica on three every, whereas Germany have one, with a last spherical of matches to return.

“We really wanted to pull (this game) back, that was very important for the feelings (in the camp),” Fullkrug instructed German TV community ZDF.

“We still have room for improvement, but we can hope that everything turns out well in the final game.”

The solely World Cup group-stage conflict to pit two former champions in opposition to one another lived as much as its prime billing in depth and tactical intrigue, with each side set on attempting to dominate possession and press extraordinarily excessive.

Germany coach Hansi Flick rejected strategies his facet had been distracted of their shock opening defeat by Japan due to their pre-game protest in opposition to FIFA “silencing teams” and the taut opening exchanges rapidly ensured all focus was on the soccer.

Flick lower Kai Havertz from his line-up and deployed Thomas Mueller up entrance after their surprising opening-day capitulation, hoping for a fast response.

However, Spain virtually took the lead within the seventh minute when Manuel Neuer palmed Dani Olmo’s highly effective drive from vary onto the woodwork.

It appeared like they had been choosing up the place they left off after their 7-0 demolition of Costa Rica, however Germany steeled themselves, conserving Luis Enrique’s facet at bay.

Clinical Morata

Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon relied on his footwork beneath strain as La Roja sought to dominate possession.

One mistake handed Serge Gnabry a chance, however he fired vast.

Neuer erred with the ball at his toes too, with Germany equally seeking to construct from the again, however Ferran Torres couldn’t capitalise.

Antonio Ruediger powered residence a header from a free-kick, however his celebration was lower brief after VAR caught him half a step forward of the Spanish defence, whereas Simon made a nice save to foil Joshua Kimmich.

Just when Luis Enrique’s facet appeared to have misplaced their grip on the sport, they broke the impasse.

Morata, on for Torres, completed clinically on the close to put up from an inviting low cross from Jordi Alba after 62 minutes.

It appeared prefer it was sufficient for the 2010 champions, however Fullkrug — on solely his third worldwide look — determined in any other case, sneaking in behind substitute Alejandro Balde and lashing previous Simon with seven minutes remaining.

Spain, who want some extent to make certain of progressing, face Japan on Thursday, whereas Germany must beat Costa Rica and hope La Roja don’t lose.

“They are a great team, they had one big chance and they took it,” Morata instructed Spain’s TVE.

“They man-marked our best players and they are a team that could be among the favourites to win the World Cup, so we have to take the positives and keep working.”

(This story has not been edited by NDTV workers and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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