FIFA World Cup: Germany stay alive in the group stage after a 1-1 draw against Spain
Niclas Fullkrug pointed to Germany as they held Spain to a 1-1 draw on Sunday. They survived an elimination scare when Costa Rica beat Japan, as any other outcome would have confirmed their exit
Spain 1-1 GermanyHansi Flick's side must defeat Costa Rica in their last group-stage match and hope Japan does not win against Spain. The Red Fury almost scored in the first half when keeper Manuel Neuer deflected Dani Olmo's shot onto the bar.
Sixty-two minutes in, they took the lead when substitute Alvaro Morata tapped in from close range. Germany held on, and Fullkrug scored seven minutes from the end with a fast-paced shot that went past Spain keeper Unai Simon.
Leroy Sane almost scored in the last few seconds but couldn't find the space needed to score. Barcelona star Gavi became the World Cup's youngest goalscorer since Pele in 1958 when he scored in their 7-0 win against Costa Rica.
However, he was silent against Germany and then substituted. Spain has work to do before encountering Japan in their last group-stage match.
Flick's team, meanwhile, survived the first-half scare when Neuer blocked Olmo's shot but was in a fix after Morata put Spain ahead. Although they managed to handle the pressure in the second half, they need to be on guard against Costa Rica on Thursday to stay in the competition.
How can Germany advance to the round of 16 after a draw against Spain
We have listed a few scenarios that could ensure Germany's qualification in Group E at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Niclas Fullkrug's late goal against Spain gave Germany a much-needed point to survive.
However, Germany is struggling to climb from the last spot in Group E and have only scored one point after two games. The other two teams in the group - Japan and Costa Rica - are safe with three points each.
In the closing round of the group stage, Spain will face Japan, while Costa Rica will encounter Germany. They have to defeat Costa Rica and hope Japan collapses against Spain.
If it becomes true, Spain will pull through as the group topper with seven points. Meanwhile, Germany will equal Japan and Costa Rica in terms of points but would proceed due to better goal differences.
If Japan beat Spain, Germany will be forced to better Spain's goal difference to survive. Spain, as of now, have a goal difference of +7, while Germany's is -1.
If Germany and Costa Rica hold each other to a draw, Hansi Flick's side will crash out of the tournament. If Costa Rica wins, they'll advance to the round of 16.
Spain is looking for a draw against Japan to advance to the knockouts. If the former fail to win their last match, Costa Rica must draw or lose against Germany for Spain to qualify.
Group E standings:
|
Position |
Teams |
Matches played |
Won |
Drawn |
Lost |
Points |
|
1 |
Spain |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
4 |
|
2 |
Japan |
2 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
|
3 |
Costa Rica |
2 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
|
4 |
Germany |
2 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |