Germany cling on at the World Cup with late equaliser
Niclas Fullkrug's late goal earns a 1-1 draw with Spain to keep Germany's World Cup hopes alive
Niclas Fullkrug's late goal salvaged a 1-1 draw with Spain as Germany just about kept their World Cup campaign on track at the Al Bayt.
Fullkrug, a 90th-minute substitute, fired home from close range with seven minutes remaining to earn Germany a share of the spoils in a pulsating Group E clash.
Spain had taken the lead through Alvaro Morata's 62nd-minute header, but Hansi Flick's side showed great character to battle back and earn a point that leaves them needing a win over Costa Rica in their final group game to progress to the knockout stages.
Germany started the game brightly and had the better of the early exchanges, with Jamal Musiala and Serge Gnabry both going close. However, it was Spain who took the lead against the run of play when Morata headed home Jordi Alba's cross.
Germany were stunned by the goal, but they responded well and came close to equalising on several occasions before the break. Musiala was particularly impressive, and he twice went close to scoring, but he was denied by Unai Simon and Aymeric Laporte.
After the break, both teams continued to create chances, but it was Spain who looked the more likely to score. Morata had a great chance to double his tally, but he headed wide from close range. Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres also went close for Spain, but they were unable to find a second goal.
With time running out, Germany threw everything forward in search of an equaliser. Fullkrug, who had only been on the pitch for a few minutes, was the unlikely hero as he fired home from close range to rescue a point for his team.
The draw leaves Germany's World Cup hopes hanging in the balance. They will need to beat Costa Rica in their final group game and hope that Spain do not beat Japan to progress to the knockout stages.
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