This was the only group stage meeting between two former World Cup winners, and the chance to become world champions once again remains alive for both Spain and Germany. However, Spain will fancy their chances far more than Germany.
Japan being beaten by Costa Rica earlier in the day certainly opened this group up, with a win over Spain no longer absolutely necessary for Germany to remain in the tournament until at least the final group game.
The two European nations, who have won five World Cups between them, played out a tight tactical battle in what was a contrast of styles. Spain dominated possession and accumulated 637 passes compared to Germany’s 345, but it wasn’t until Luis Enrique sent on Alvaro Morata that their dominance told.
The substitute came off the bench to give Spain a 62nd-minute lead and seemingly send Germany closer to elimination. However, Hansi Flick responded by deploying a striker of his own. Niclas Fullkrug, who only made his international debut in a friendly with Oman on November 16, equalised with a sharp finish for his second goal in three Germany appearances.
Two strikers coming to the fore seemed unlikely as both teams lined up with false nines. After the shock defeat to Japan, Flick had dropped Kai Havertz to the bench, brought in Leon Goretzka to bolster midfield and deployed Thomas Muller through the middle.
It brought about an improved performance from Germany who were up against a Spain team that had just registered their biggest ever opening World Cup victory, a 7-0 thrashing of Costa Rica. The high-stakes element of this encounter were lessened by Japan surprisingly stumbling against the central American team.
As a consequence, Germany took a step back from the edge of the abyss and this ensuing result is not terminal for Flick’s team. Their first point in Group E means that progression from the group is still not in their own hands as they will need to defeat Costa Rica on Thursday and hope Japan lose to Spain if they are to avoid a second successive departure at the group stage.
Story of the game
Enrique had insisted that Germany were the team most like his Spain side, but for about an hour it was hard to avoid the conclusion that Germany are just not as good as the real thing. After such an exhilarating opening game, Enrique stuck with the same lineup barring swapping Dani Carvajal for Cesar Azpilicueta at right back. Rodri remained as Aymeric Laporte’s partner in central defence.
It was a hectic start with Dani Olmo providing an early warning when striking a thunderous shot that Manuel Neuer pushed onto his crossbar. Unai Simon then had to be out sharply to meet Serge Gnabry but the Germany attacker had been offside anyway. Still, the pattern, it appeared, had been set.
When in possession Spain were being pressed by Germany and the Barcelona trio of Sergio Busquets,, Pedri and Gavi in midfield were under more pressure than against Costa Rica. Yet, Busquets, the Spain captain, still managed to find a pass for Jordi Alba, who cut in onto his left foot and sent a shot narrowly wide of the post. Neuer appeared to have it covered.
A lot of the play, however, was in the middle third of the pitch. A game threatened to break out but no one could grab it by the scruff of the neck. Antonio Rudiger headed in a free-kick on 39 minutes but he had strayed offside.
Some wayward passes by Simon almost allowed Germany in but there was no clinical finisher around to make the Spain goalkeeper pay for his carelessness. The lack of firepower was true for both sides.
The game was crying out for a finisher and on came Morata nine minutes into the new half. Busquets passed to Olmo who then fed it the ball to Alba. His ball in found the substitute dashing towards the near post and a cute finish with the outside of his boot sent the ball high into the net.
The scoreline read 1-0 to Spain, which had been the result on the last two occasions these teams met at major tournaments: the 2010 World Cup semi final and Euro 2008 final.
Flick’s desperation told when he made a triple change. Leroy Sane was one of them and sent Jamal Musiala into the area but his shot, despite being struck forcefully, was blocked by Simon. But Germany were pushing now.
With seven minutes remaining Sane and Musiala combined again and quickly Fullkrug was in a promising position. The 29-year-old Werder Bremen striker took over and fired in a half volley that Simon could do nothing to stop. On balance, it felt about right for Germany.
Spain have one foot in the last 16, Germany at least have a lifeline.
Player of the match: Niclas Fullkrug
He has waited his whole career, one presumes, for this chance and he timed it just right. Fullkrug was sent on as a second-half substitute by Flick to do one thing: score. And he managed it.
The 29-year-old's introduction, along with Sane, changed the game for Germany and his goal may be looked back on with even more gratitude should they do the business against Costa Rica and Spain give them a helping hand on Thursday.