The 2022 World Cup journey isn't over yet for Germany, who are still fighting for a place in the Round of 16. Their Monday match against Spain at Al Bayt Stadium ended in a 1-1 draw, thanks to a late, vital goal from Niclas Fullkrug. The substitute's strike ensured Germany walked away with a point, keeping them in the competition. Conversely, Spain now sits comfortably at the top of Group E with four points to their name.
It is not over for the former champions Germany at the FIFA World Cup 2022 as they remain in the race for a Round of 16 spot. Germany managed to finish a 1-1 draw against Spain at Al Bayt Stadium on Monday. Substitute Niclas Fullkrug scored a much-needed equalizer towards the end and salvaged a vital point for Germany to keep their hopes of advancing further alive. The result of the game gave the four-time champions one point to stay alive in the tournament. On the other hand, Spain consolidated their top position in the Group E standings with four points.
For the first time ever, Germany has gone through their first two World Cup games without a single victory. Spain entered the match with high confidence after scoring seven against Costa Rica, and they played with an attacking flair from the start. Their closest early chance came in the 7th minute: Gavi drove toward the edge of the area and linked up with Pedri, who fed Dani Olmo. Olmo unleashed a shot from distance, but it unfortunately hit the crossbar.
Germany had a golden opportunity to shift the momentum of their tournament, but Serge Gnabry fired a shot wide of Unai Simon's post in the 25th minute. Despite Spain controlling most of the play, they couldn't find the back of the net. Germany thought they had taken the lead in the 40th minute via Antonio Rudiger, but the celebration was short-lived as VAR stepped in to rule the goal offside. The first half ended in a scoreless deadlock.
In the second half, Germany shifted their strategy toward counter-attacks. One promising move saw Gundogan find Joshua Kimmich inside the penalty area, but a brilliant reflex save from Spain's goalkeeper, Simon, kept the score level.
Spain eventually broke through by attacking down the left wing. Jordi Alba sent a precise near-post cross to Alvaro Morata, who expertly flicked the ball over Manuel Neuer to give Spain a 1-0 lead in the 62nd minute.
As the clock ticked down for Flick's squad, Niclas Fullkrug stepped up in the box, unleashing a powerful strike that left Simon rooted to the spot. Germany's path to the knockouts now depends on the final matchday; their best-case scenario is a victory over Costa Rica combined with Spain beating Japan this Thursday.