Germany vs Spain

The heavyweights of Group E collided in a 1-1 draw!

Its been a World Cup of surprises, and before the first whistle it was anyone’s guess what might transpire between the teams who have lifted the world cup a combined eleven times down through the ages. It was the first time they have faced-off in the world cup since 2010, with Germany having beaten Spain just once in the last seven attempts.

The match began with the Germans pressing high trying to win the ball in the opposition half. But the tables soon turned with Dani Olmo striking it wonderfully from edge of the box, although Neuer touched it onto his bar despite seeing it late.

The Germans were surrounded by red shirts each and every time they tried to play out from their half. There was some nice footwork from Pedri on display who ignited the crowd each time he got on the ball.

Midway through the first half we saw some sloppy playing out from the back with the Spanish keeper giving the ball away more than once. Germany continued to press the opposition, not allowing them to dictate the tempo of the game.

In the 32nd minute Spain burst through the Germans lines and a well-placed pass found Ferran Torres in the box with him putting it over the bar, only for the flag to be raised after the attack concluded.

In the 38th minute a set-piece cross came in and, Rudiger, headed it into the net, only for it to be frustratingly called offside moments later.

It was surprising to see both teams enter the tunnel at 0-0 having registered just one shot on target each within the first 45 minutes.

Early in second half Kimmich had an effort on goal only for it to be saved. The chance came about after the spanish keeper, Simon, passed it to his defender in a dangerous position that invited pressure. Gundogan passed in to the striker who couldn’t get the shot away.

Germany became wasteful from set pieces in the second half where their taller and stronger players should have been able to shine. A poor delivery wound up being punished a minute later in the 61st minute, as the ball came in from the left hand side from Alba to Morata waiting in the box, who finished strongly.

Promising young Spanish talent, Gavi, was given 65 minutes. He played well enough but it was a big ask for a youngster to continue when the game had opened up.

It became a very much by the numbers performance once Spain had gained the lead. They kept the ball when they could but the Germans were not finished yet. Heads remained high, as Fullkrug won a free kick outside the box, but Kimmich was poor yet again, putting it straight into the wall.

It was the substitutes who wound up scoring for both teams, as Fullkrug pulled his side level with a powerful finish into the top corner.

Germany had their opportunity to seize the game by the throat. A blazing run from Leroy Sane in the 95th minute saw him running the ball out, as the keeper forced him wide. The last dash came from a corner, but the spanish keeper comfortably caught it.

1-1.

Group E remains interesting to the last day, as the Germans remain hopeful of their chances for qualification. If Spain beat Japan, and the Germans can snatch a win against Costa Rica they can still proceed to the knockouts.

Spain vs Japan 1st December 19:00

Germany vs Costa Rica 1st December 19:00