Crucial: Niclas Füllkrug has saved Germany’s World Cup dream
(Picture: AFP via Getty Images)Substitute Niclas Füllkrug breathed life into Germany’s World Cup campaign with a late equaliser in Group E’s heavyweight clash against Spain.
Alvaro Morata had opened the scoring for Spain off the bench, with Germany in danger of losing their opening two games at a World Cup finals for the first time ever, but Fullkrug’s 83rd minute strike rescued a 1-1 draw.
The result means victory over Costa Rica will almost certainly book Germany’s place in the knockout stage, providing Japan do not cause another upset against Spain.
Spain are themselves not yet certain to qualify but are in a strong position, top of the group with four points from two games and a healthy goal-difference after beating Costa Rica 7-0 in their opener. A point against Japan will seal qualification, while victory would wrap up top spot.
Luis Enrique unsurprisingly named an unchanged XI, while Flick drafted in Leon Goretzka and West Ham defender Thilo Kehrer, lining up - like his opposite number - without a recognised centre-forward.
Dani Olmo came close to opening the scoring when his strike was brilliantly palmed onto the bar by Manuel Neuer as Spain dominated the early possession, but Germany gradually grew into the game and had a set-piece header from Antonio Rudiger ruled out for offside by VAR soon before half-time.
Morata was sent on for Ferran Torres soon after the restart and took just eight minutes to make his mark, steering a brilliant near-post finish high past Neuer from Jordi Alba’s low cross.
Bayern Munich teenager Jamal Musiala was impressive again for Germany but looked to have wasted their biggest chance to equalise, lashing at Unai Simon after being slipped in by substitute Leroy Sane. However, Fullkrug fired a superb effort past Simon after good work from Musiala to earn a share of the points.
