Points were split between Spain and Germany as they played out a 1-1 tie on Sunday night during the ongoing 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
After beating Costa Rica 7-0 in their previous encounter to collect three points, Spain came into this match confidently in first place in Group E.
A win over Germany would have ensured their passage into the round of 16 prior to their final game against Japan in the group stage.
FT: Spain 1-1 Germany ????
Every team in Group E has a chance to advance to the World Cup knockouts in their final game. ? pic.twitter.com/w3zhu63fRh
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) November 27, 2022
Germany, on the other hand, has struggled throughout the competition and came into this match at the bottom of Group E with no points.
They would have a better chance of advancing to the round of 16 if they were successful.
Alvaro Morata gave Spain the lead early in the second half, but Niklas Fullkrug pulled Germany back into the game with the equalizer in the closing 10 minutes.
There have already been more substitute goals scored in this tournament (17 total), surpassing the total from the 2018 World Cup.
In reality, a draw was a reasonable outcome that keeps Germany in the competition going into the last group-stage encounter, while Spain, who is presently leading Group E, has not yet solidly cemented their place in the next round.
FT:
Nothing to separate these two giants of world football. For Germany, a lifeline to secure a place in the knockout phase and Spain, a little bit of disappointment to let that lead slip through their fingers.
Spain 1-1 Germany#CitiSports #FIFAWorldCup #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/V7yKde4a8Q
— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) November 27, 2022
Since Germany didn’t collect three points and their prospects of qualifying are so slim, they will need different results in their final group stage match against Costa Rica.
The last group stage matchday will also occur on Thursday. In a crucial struggle for survival, Germany will square off against Costa Rica while Spain fights Japan.