QATAR 2022 WORLD CUP: Nicolas Fullkrug’s late goal saves Germany from early Elimination
By Samson Adeyemo
Werder Bremen stricker, Niclas Fullkrug gave his team a World Cup lifeline with an 83rd-minute equaliser to snatch a one all draw against Spain at Al Bayt Stadium.
The Germans were looking to bounce back from their shocking 2-1 defeat to Japan, while Luis Enrique’s side were riding high after their 7-0 demolition of Costa Rica in Group E.
A surprising 1-0 win for Costa Rica over Japan earlier, slightly lessened the stakes of the game.
Although the intensity of the match was still high before substitute Alvaro Morata produced a superb finish from Jordi Alba’s 62nd-minute low cross to net his second goal of the tournament. The Werder Bremen striker Fullkrug, who made his international debut somedays ago lashed the ball into the top corner following fine work from fellow substitute Leroy Sane and Jamal Musiala.
Hansi Flick’s men still have it all to do to avoid back-to-back first-round exits for the first time in their nation’s footballing history. They already have an unwanted first at the previous edition with Germany having never before failed to win either of their first two group games.
The Dutch must win their next and final group game against Costa Rica to stand the chance of making it to the knockout stages of the tournament.
The 2014 World Cup winners are last in the group standing. While Spain are leading the group with four points, followed by Japan and Costa Rica with three points each after two rounds of matches.
