This Sunday, Germany ruled out the scenario of early elimination with a draw against Spain (1-1). Substitutes Morata and Fullkrug scored the respective teams’ goals in what was the World Cup’s best encounter to date. And perhaps the most useful playing time he had, judging by the six minutes of stoppage time.
After being surprised by Japan on his debut, coach Hansi Flick swapped Nico Schlotterbeck and Kai Havertz for Thilo Kehrer and Goretzka, while Luis Enrique bet on the same eleven that Costa Rica defeated in the opening game and in the same urgent attitude.
Dani Olmo was close to 1-0 in the seventh minute due to the initiative of the Spaniards, but Neuer grew taller and had the help of the crossbar to prevent the Croatian-born Spaniard’s shot from going into goal in the match where he tied Taffarel and Sepp Maier for goalkeeper with most appearances in World Cups (18). Despite using a less lavish style, the crewIt caused the same difficulties for Spain. Sèrge Gnabry’s curling shot is an example of this.
The first half lacked goals, but no chances – each had two clear chances to score. And when Spaniard Olmo’s shot hit the crossbar, Germany’s Rüdiger’s header even went into the net, but that move was disallowed for offside.
More of the same was requested (if possible) for the second half. And neither Spain nor Germany disappointed. Joshua Kimmich forced Unai Simón’s 57th-minute save to deny Germany’s goal, before Ferrán Torres made way for Morata, who gave Spain the lead soon after. A goal from the unloved Spanish team, who defeated Neuer with a subtle trivela.
The German reaction was made to the sound of discontent from the fans coming from the stands. Musiala’s brilliance enabled him to turn a deaf ear to the impatient whistle and create two excellent chances for an equalizer, but the goalscorer persisted not to change. Neither Musiala (73″) nor Niclas Fullkrug (74″) managed to beat Unai Simón, but in the 83rd minute they joined forces and succeeded.
Substitute Fullkrug equalized with a pass from Musiala, who rewarded the balance Hansi Flick brought into play in the second half. Germany is still alive and kicking in the competition, despite that unprecedented record of two games without a win in World Cups.
They will meet Costa Rica in the final round.
SEE GAME STATISTICS HERE.
Source: DN
