Fullkrug’s champagne moment /Striker’s late leveller rescues point for Germany
Hansi Flick praised the determination of Niclas Fullkrug after the forward came off the bench to score an equaliser against Spain and keep Germany’s World Cup hopes alive. A surprise loss to Japan in their opening Group E game means Flick’s side do not have their destiny in their own hands, but a1-1d raw at a lb ayt stadium –where germany hit back after Alvaro Morata had opened the scoring – was a good response.
Only Costa Rica’s late win over Japan earlier in the day gives Germany any chance, but they will have to beat the central Americans and hope the result in the other game goes their way if they are to avoid group-stage elimination.
Werder Bremen forward Fullkrug, aged 29, only made his senior international debut in the week before the World Cup and Flick said: “We are very happy that he showed us his determination and how to score goals. He gives lots to the team, not only goals, but is also a very good boy, he has his heart in the right place and we are very happy to have him.”
Germany are alive and kicking at this World Cup, although it took them late into this match against Spain to resurrect their chances of reaching the knockout stages.
A late equaliser by Niclas Fullkrug earned the Germans a point and a 1-1 draw against the Spanish and, after their shock defeat by Japan in their opening match, a win against Costa Rica on Thursday could take them through. Sitting bottom of Group E with one point, they are two behind the Costa Ricans and Japanese, with leaders Spain sitting on four points.
Germany will be cheering on La Roja at the same time they are playing Los Ti cos. having crashed out in the group stages four years ago in Russia, a consecutive premature exit for Germany will not be tolerated back home.
Most football fans had circled this match, a clash between two former champions and heavyweights of the European game, as the one to watch in the group stages. Sunday evening, prime-time viewing, a host of exceptional football players on show.
Spain started in a more assured fashion than the Germans, who looked a little jittery given what was at stake for them. With Pedri and Gavi setting a high tempo and every Spanish player looking confident and comfortable in possession, they were creating openings. daniolmo’ s seventh-minute piled river was pushed onto the bar by german goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.H ad the Spanish gone ahead so early, Germanyhad the potential to fall apart. as it was, they grew into the match.
Spain were still passing the ball with panache, but Germany had settled down. Serge Gnabry was flagged just offside after a swift counter-attack.
It was a warning; Germany were ready to stamp their authority on the game. they had the ball in the net on 36 minutes, when their centre-half Antonio Rudiger bulleted a header past Unai Simon in the Spain goal, but VAR chalked it off for offside.
Spain looked reasonably non-plussed about their close shave and ended the first half the stronger of the two teams, without creating a meaningful chance.
The second half started slowly. simon added some mild drama on 56 minutes with a poor pass out to his defenders which resulted in a shooting chance for Joshua Kimmich. The goalkeeper redeemed himself with a smart save.
Then at the other end, Olmo chanced his luck from distance, but his effort skidded into the arms of Neuer.
Spain turned to their bench to bring on Alvaro Morata, their bona-fide number nine in the squad. On for Ferran Torres, he made the difference on 62 minutes. Jordi Alba slipped the ball into the penalty box and mo rat a timed his run brilliantly, flicking the ball high beyond Neuer.
Hansi Flick’s men had to be more adventurous, but that would open themselves up to the counter.
Jamal Musiala, their talented teenager,was by far and away their dan german. he set up substitute fullkrugf or a shot before he bore down on goal himself, only to smack his effort at Simon. Germany were applying some pressure.
Their equaliser came on 83 minutes and the aforementioned duo were involved. Musiala lifted the ball into Fullkrug’s path and the burly striker battered the ball high past Simon.
What a vital goal that may turn out to be for Germany.