Spain vs Germany: Match Report

Spain and Germany share the points in Qatar, giving Germany a major lifeline in qualifying for the second round.

The main story going into the game today was that Germany needed a win to stay in the tournament with Japan vs Costa Rica being seen as a done deal. Costa Rica managed a massive upset over Japan however and that gave Germany a huge lifeline going into the game today.

This allowed Germany to come into this game slightly more at ease knowing a draw was still an ok result for them. This didn’t seem to change their sense of urgency however with it being clear from very early on that Germany were going to press Spain and press them high to not allow them too much time around their box.

Spain were having much more success in holding possession early in the first, their counter press on Germany was outstanding and Germany were having absolutely no joy keeping the ball. This ability to hold the ball faded as the half went on as Germany started to build into their press.

The first half didn’t offer too many chances, but the first major chance did fall to the Spaniards. Dani Olmo takes the ball just outside of the box and fires it from range. Manuel Neuer sees the ball late but manages to get a single hand to it that pushes it onto the post and out.

The next chance for Spain came 20 minutes later with Olmo again being involved. A low cross into the box to Ferran Torres as the Barcelona man hits it well over the bar from right in front of the goal.

Another Chance for Ferran Torres a couple minutes later from a corner. The ball falls to him inside the box, he steadies it and takes the shot, but Jamal Musiala throws himself at the ball blocking it perfectly. A perfectly timed challenge by the German.

A huge chance for Germany as Jordi Alba gives away a free kick in a decent position for Germany. Kimmich stands over it and whips it into the box for the Germans. Rudiger gets his head to it and smashes it past Unai Simon, unfortunately for Germany Rugier failed to hold his run. He went just too early, and VAR ruled it offside.

The second half started off well for Germany, 10 minutes in Germany force a big mistake out of Simon. The German press forces a bad pass out of the Spaniard and Gundogan gets the ball to Kimmich on the edge of the box who shoots first time, save by Unai Simon.

In the 62nd minute Spain finally opened the scoring in the match. Substitute Alvaro Morata comes off the bench and sends the ball into the back of the net. Alba sent the ball into the box and Morata gets in front of Sule and managed to get the shot off.

A few minutes later there’s a pass on the edge of the German box, Gavi lets it roll to Asesio who hits it all wrong. He takes the shot on leaning back and just sends it sailing over the bar. The German’s caught really under pressure and Spain are looking for the second.

In the 70th minute Fullkrug let his presence be known making a dash into the box to get onto the end of Musiala’s cross. Rodri gets to the ball just ahead of him and doesn’t allow him to get the shot off. This is exactly what Germany have been missing, someone there to attack the ball in the box.

In the 83rd minute Fullkrug score the deciding goal. He takes it off of Musiala’s foot inside the box and smashes it past Unai Simon. The German number nine hit it so hard the Spaniard just could not stop it. This is a huge goal for Fullkrug with only three caps to his name, he now looks like a great possible starting striker for this German side.

Germany now have a monumental lifeline in their group with a clear path out. Depending how well things go against Costa Rica it could still be in their hands to escape from this group. Spain still have a reason to go for the win against Japan with their top of the group status not yet solidified. Still all to play for in Group E.

#Spain #Germany #Pedri #Musiala #WorldCup2022 #Qatar #GroupE #Fullkrug #Morata