World Cup Update: Germany stay alive after Spain draw

Jamaal Musiala was at the center of everything for Germany on Sunday in their 1-1 draw against Spain. (Photo credit: GOAL)

It’s not all gloom and doom for Germany at the ongoing World Cup in Qatar as Hansi Flick’s side rallied from a goal down to snatch a point from the jaws of defeat.

Spain was the clear favorite to win the game after the Costa Rica demolition and recent results also favored La Roja. The opening exchanges confirmed the fears of the German fans but the defense stood firm against an energetic Spain side.

Antonio Rudiger thought he had given the team in White the lead but a VAR review showed he was offside. Daniel Olmo forced Manuel Neuer to push the ball to his upright and Gavi troubled the entire defense but Jamaal Musiala was also a handful for the Spanish defense.

It proved to be a game of the substitutes as both Flick and Luis Henrique had to look to the bench when the tie proved inseparable. Alvaro Morata found the back of the net in a beautiful fashion just after the hour mark and it suddenly looked like the Germans were going home.

Although a loss could still keep Germany in the tournament if they beat Costa Rica and hope Spain does the work against Japan but Flick took off the handbrake and went hard for an equalizer, he got his wish through his own substitute just seven minutes from time.

Jamaal Musiala was once again instrumental as his assist helped substitute striker Niclas Fuelikrug to his first major tournament goal for the German machines and set up a grandstand finale. Both sides went for it but the stalemate was the fair result.

Elsewhere in the group, conquerors of Germany, Japan lost to Costa Rica and it goes again to show how cruel football can be. Costa Rica scored with their only shot on goal and for all the great efforts, Japan must now earn something from the game against Spain to stand a chance of qualifying.

A draw against Germany wouldn’t be enough for Costa Rica of course except Japan amass heavy defeat that would ease their horrible goals difference.