European Giants Share the Spoils in Group E
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Spain and Germany met at the Al Bayt Stadium knowing the result of the match could have major consequences for the progress of both teams at the 2022 World Cup.
Spain, having dismantled Costa Rica in their first fixture, knew a win would be enough to see them qualify for the round of 16.
Thanks to the result between Japan and Costa Rica, Germany were handed a lifeline that meant a defeat to Spain would not officially be the end of their World Cup but would make things extremely difficult.
Spain were the better team for much of the first half and Luis Enrique has a nice blend of youth and experience at his disposal.
Dani Olmo saw his effort tipped onto the cross by Manuel Neuer and Antonio Rüdiger had a header disallowed for offside. That was the closest both teams came to scoring in the first half but Spain were the better team.
Into the second half and Enrique made a change as he introduced Alvaro Morata, the only genuine central striker in the Spanish squad for this tournament.
Morata had only been on the pitch for 8 minutes when he provided a lovely finish at the near post from Jordi Alba’s low cross for Spain to take the lead.
At that point, Germany’s future at the 2022 World Cup was in a doubt and it was the turn of Hansi Flick to look to his substitutes bench.
Instead of introducing Kai Havertz, who started the defeat against Japan, Flick opted for Niclas Füllkrug, a newcomer to the international scene at the age of 29.
It proved to be the right choice as the Werder Bremen striker smashed the ball beyond Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon in the 83rd minute to bring Germany level and take a point from the game.
The concession of the late goal means Spain still must get something from their final group fixture against Japan to guarantee qualification to the round of 16.
However, Spain have looked good in their two World Cup games and the trio of Pedri, Gavi, and Sergio Busquets in midfield have been wonderful to watch.
The slick passing of the Spanish was easy on the eye but when it did not produce the breakthrough, Enrique was happy to make a change and use a central striker with crosses coming into the box.
To have the ability to change style midway through a game is a great strength to have at a World Cup. Spain dominated possession in this match, having 64% of the ball but Enrique will want to see more than the 3 shots on target in future games.
Germany came into this match low on confidence following their shock defeat to Japan. They were slow to get going but in Jamal Musiala they have a talented forward player who produced some excellent touches and movement throughout the game.
It was his movement that ultimately led to the equaliser for Germany who will be hoping to have more of the ball in their final, must win group match against Costa Rica.
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