Costa Rica blew Group E wide open when they beat Japan 1-0 earlier today. However, Germany still needed a positive result against Spain, but the task was an ominous one.
Luis Enrique’s men monopolised possession early on, which was expected, and they came close to making it count as Dani Olmo unleashed a ferocious strike that was goal-bound but for a stunning one-handed stop from Manuel Neuer.
Die Mannschaft began to grow into the game, and they appeared to have taken the lead when Antonio Rudiger headed Joshua Kimmich’s free-kick beyond Unai Simon. However, German celebrations were cut short as the goal was ruled out for offside.
Germany barely threatened after their goal was ruled out, but the half-time interval looked to have rejuvenated them as they came out for the second period swinging.
Hansi Flick’s side looked more dangerous going forward, and their high press earned a chance for Kimmich, but Simon was equal to it.
Not long after, Alvaro Morata, who replaced Ferran Torres after the break, broke the deadlock, latching on to a Jordi Alba pass to finish with aplomb in the 62nd minute, putting Germany under huge pressure.
In a desperate attempt to salvage the game, Flick rolled the dice by making three changes, and two of them, Leroy Sane and Niclas Fullkrug, were involved in the equaliser.
Sane’s forward burst and pass found Bayern Munich wonderkid Jamal Musiala, who bundled a ball through to Fullkrug. The Werder Bremen striker made no mistake to restore parity for his side.
While Germany remain bottom of the group with just one point, their World Cup destiny remains in their own hands as a two-goal victory over Costa Rica in their final match will see them go through unless Japan beat Spain.
Meanwhile, Enrique and Co need only a draw to progress, although they will be looking for a victory to finish as group winners.
Spain
Unai Simon (6/10) – Showed exactly why he is La Roja’s number one with his ball-playing abilities.
Dani Carvajal (6/10) – Had a solid performance. Did not leave spaces at the back for Germany to exploit.
Rodri (6/10) – Was solid despite playing out of position.
Aymeric Laporte (5/10) – Had a solid game.
Jordi Alba (7/10) – Showed good value for his assist. A decent performance.
Sergio Busquets (5/10) – Struggled to impose himself in the game.
Gavi (6/10) – In and out of the game, but sharp whenever he was involved.
Pedri (7/10) – Showed flashes of his talent but was often shut down quickly. Was able to enjoy himself more as the game opened up.
Ferran Torres (4/10) – Offered next to nothing in attack and was rightly taken off.
Marco Asensio (5/10) – Was overshadowed by Germany’s towering defence. Spurned a brilliant chance just before being substituted.
Dani Olmo (7/10) – Spain’s brightest spark going forward. Was a constant threat in possession and was direct in attack.
Substitutes
Alvaro Morata (8/10) – The striker Spain needed. Started wide and came inside, tapping home brilliantly. Clever goal.
Koke (7/10)
Nico Williams (6/10)
Alejandro Balde (N/A)
Germany
Manuel Neuer (6/10) – Fashioned a spectacular save to deny Olmo. Was pivotal for his side in goal.
Niklas Sule (4/10) – Looked out of his depth for much of the game and struggled to cope with Spain’s attackers.
Thilo Kehrer (5/10) – Started brightly but could have done more to stop the cross for Spain’s opener.
Antonio Rudiger (6/10) – Had a goal disallowed but was solid in defence.
David Raum (6/10) – Disciplined display. Dealt well with being doubled up on at times by Gavi and Torres.
Ilkay Gundogan (7/10) – Pushed higher up the pitch early on before dropping deep to create space for his side. Solid display in midfield.
Joshua Kimmich (7/10) – Protected the backline in a classic Kimmich display.
Leon Goretzka (6/10) – Solid off the ball but ineffective in possession.
Serge Gnabry (5/10) – Should have done better with a gift passed straight into his feet by Simon early in the game. Faded as the game progressed.
Thomas Muller (5/10) – Was not exactly vintage Muller as he was rarely involved in attack and lacked aggression.
Jamal Musiala (7/10) – Much like their opening game, Musiala was Germany’s bright spark in attack. Burst into life late on and began to pull the strings for his side.
Substitutes
Niclas Fullkrug (8/10) – An unlikely hero. What a time to get his second international goal.
Leroy Sane (6/10)
Lucas Klostermann (N/A)
Nico Schlotterbeck (6/10)
Recent Posts
- United are favourites to sign Spanish star ahead of Barcelona & Real Madrid
- ‘I’m happy’ – Chelsea ace opens the door to summer exit after fine start to the season
- Arsenal’s title charge faces Everton test
- ‘We expect’ – Brendan Rodgers delivers injury update on ‘outstanding’ Celtic player ahead of Rangers clash
- Jude Bellingham named Real Madrid player of the month for November
- ‘Exceptional’ player is now ready to leave Newcastle United in January
- Five South American wonderkids who could follow Man Utd-bound Diego Leon to the Premier League in 2025
- ‘I have to prove myself’ – Thomas Tuchel responds to England critics after World Cup qualifying draw
- Tonali has grown ‘frustrated’ at Newcastle United
- ‘It’s perfect’: Ruben Amorim’s reaction to controversial Manchester United incident speaks volumes