Germany had a No 9 after all. He is Niclas Fullkrug and he plays for Werder Bremen. He is 29 years old. He scored a rising shot that was just seven minutes into his third game. This gave them hope and gave them a lifeline.
Although some of the risks had been removed from this occasion six hours earlier, Costa Rica’s surprise win over Japan meant that Germany took an uneasy step back from its abyssal edge, it was still a dramatic moment that changed everything. Fullkrug’s goal gives Mannschaft an advantage in this tournament. They must defeat Costa Rica, but even then Japan and Spain will decide their fate. But there is still hope. It could have been worse. Spain isn’t yet finished, but Luis Enrique pointed out that they are still the leader of the group of death.
Flick’s team faced another defeat when Spain took the lead. Luis Enrique claimed that Germany is the most similar to us. However, it’s different when you have Spain in front of your eyes and it was difficult to ignore the fact that they weren’t as good as the real thing for around an hour. They had earned the draw after an entertaining night, maybe even more.
They may have even got it when Leroy Sane ran clear around Simon in the final seconds but was left with no angle to reach the finish. Like Fullkrug, he had made a difference in this game. We must start now. Luis Enrique, who was left grieving the loss of control in a game between two contenders, which had gone through several phases, said that it had shifted again.
Although possession was more in the hands of the selection than Gavi and Pedri, it wasn’t overwhelming. Germany wanted to make Spain less Spain. The pressure was applied at times. It was enough to decrease the influence of Gavi & Pedri, making Spain seem less comfortable than they are. Nervous moments began to accumulate as the game progressed. Sergio Busquets, Dani Carvajal, and Dani Carvajal felt close to their opponents. There were also those Simon moments that caused a collective coronary.
Germany had many opportunities, and not just in the final seconds. They thought they were ahead in the first half when Antonio Rudiger scored. Spain was still within striking distance when Dani Olmo’s brilliant shot was pushed onto the bar by Manuel Neuer, and then Jordi Albi struck wide. Spain was able to play its part in the media at that stage. Pedri’s smooth full-circle demonstration of an ability perhaps only this group has, however, didn’t last forever. Germany was determined, Spain struggled to escape their attention, and the balance tilted towards Simon who saw Germany’s forwards now.
Neuer would also have his moments. A poor pass led to a great chance, but Ferran Torres’s decision not to shoot but to control the ball denied him the opportunity to score. Serge Gnabry was able to score after Ilkay Gundogan missed a clear shot opportunity by Jamal Musiala. Rudiger, Germany’s “goal”, stepped in for a free kick. Although it was so easy, the mistake of going too quickly was made.
Pedri clenched both his fists in relief. Rudiger, the tallest man at the pitch, was almost allowed to enter Germany after Carvajal made a mistake that nearly invited Germany in. Rudiger, who is the tallest, found himself isolated from a dead ball and had to shoot at Simon. The press was busy and Rodri and Simon, then Pedri lost the ball in their own areas. Joshua Kimmich made a great save that saved Simon from the error.
Spain took the lead though. It was a brilliant move: Busquets passed to Dani Olmo, who is a hugely talented player, and then on to Alba. Morata was sent on eight minutes before he made his perfect pass. He ran towards the near post. It was a spectacular finish with his boot outside, just above Neuer.
Germany needed a triple substitution. Fullkrug and Sane would have a rapid and lasting impact. They quickly teamed up with Musiala in two chances before they finally combined for the equalizer. Musial’s ball was just short of the No 9 and landed in the six-yard box. Sane’s smart pass freed Musiala for the second. Simon extended an arm to save. The Bremen striker swung over from the corner but he wasn’t done. Spain lost control of the game and Germany began to push. The wall was breached by Kimmich, then followed the Fullkrug.
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