Earlier on Sunday, Costa Rica defeated Japan, saving Germany’s chances of making it to the knockout round when any other outcome would have meant they would have been eliminated if they lost to Spain.
After falling behind at Al Bayt Stadium, Hansi Flick’s team still needs to defeat Costa Rica in their last Group E match and prays that Japan does not pull a surprise against Spain, but at least they know their chances of making it out of the round of 16 are still alive.
Spain seized the lead after 62 minutes when substitute Alvaro Morata produced a fantastic near-post flick to Jordi Alba’s cross. Spain nearly took the lead in the first half when goalkeeper Manuel Neuer turned Dani Olmo’s
Seven minutes from the end, Fullkrug broke through and blasted an unstoppable finish high over Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon to give Germany a point.
In the last seconds, Germany’s Leroy Sane came close to winning it, but he ran out of room as he sprinted toward goal and the ball was cleared.
Germany may have been at a low point with the humiliation of losing to Japan in their opening game, but history tells us they can never be written out, and this was demonstrated in this incredibly entertaining match.
After Morata gave Spain the lead, Flick’s team had to withstand that scare thanks to Neuer’s outstanding save from Olmo’s shot, but they persevered and were rewarded when Fullkrug, a 29-year-old latecomer to international football, got his foot through a decisive finish.
There was plenty of evidence here to indicate Germany can stay in the World Cup, and it was a remarkable display of grit considering what transpired. Germany still needs to defeat Costa Rica on Thursday.