Shock for the German team after the game against Spain

Finally, on the evening of Sunday the 27th of November 2022 the moment had arrived: the first game between Spain and Germany. After a long fight of 96 minutes, both teams finally left the Al-Bayt stadium with a draw (1-1).

From the beginning, the Germans spent a lot of time running round the pitch, more often than not after the Spaniards. In the first few minutes the possession of the ball was more than 70% in favour of Luis Enrique's team. The team of the DFB were looking for matchups but often they couldn't face the passing speed of their rival and therefore were always running behind. Just 15 minutes later, Hansi Flick's team managed to advance the cover a little bit and give less space to the Spaniards for their lightning combinations. The first well thought-out attack involving Ilkay Gündogan, Leon Goretzka and a great pass from  Thomas Müller to Serge Gnabry ended with the opportunity to score, but the goal wouldn't have counted due to the offside position of Gnabry. After a standard situation, Germany suddenly celebrated. Serge Gnabry got a freekick in the 40th minute, which Joushua Kimmich circled perfectly from the right, over Antonio Rüdiger's head. No Spaniard was on Rüdiger at the time and Unai Simón had no chance against the header at close range but after the video evidence it was diqualified again due to the offside position. In general it can be said that the first half had a lot of play in the center and Germany was clear that they had to cover the central line of Busquetes, Pedri and Gavi.

After half time, things were much better for the Germans. The Spanish coach Luis Enrique reacted to the increasing German pressure  with the centre forward Alvero Morata, which was not a good sign for the German's. This time 8 minutes passed before the German's could feel the consequences. In the 62nd minute Morata scored, finishing off a cross from the left of Jordi Alba at the first touch, and raising the ball with his right foot to beat Neuer in a great move. He was chosen as player of the match. But Hansi Flick still had an abundance of triumph up his sleeve and it was actually called "Füllkrug". The man, who had not received a single appeal before this World Cup preparation, coolly seized the opportunity in the 83rd minute. Musiala carried the ball forward after a pass from Sané, Füllkrug took the ball away from him and chased it with determintation into the left corner. A solo from Sané in the sixth minute of stoppage time would almost have meant the German victory, but Sané let himself be carried too far and deprived himself of the opportunity to shoot.

As a consequence, Germany only needs a victory over Costa Rica on the third day, Thursday 01.12.2022 at 8pm, but also the support of the Spaniards, who at the same time should not lose against Japan. Although the four-time world champion is currently only fourth in Group E, the chances of the knockout stages are still there. Spain, who is leading the group by 4 points, would need a draw on Thursday against Japan in order to qualify. What Luis Enrique's team cannot afford is to lose the game against Japan, because in this case they would drop to third place in the group. In any case it will be exciting.