It finally ended 1-1 in the big match between Germany and Spain on Sunday evening. Spain led until there were seven minutes left, when Niclas Füllkrug equalized to secure an important point for Germany’s World Cup hopes. The draw means that Spain still top the group with four points after two games. Germany are on their side with a poor point before Costa Rica awaits in the final group stage match on December 1. If Germany is to avoid an early exit from the World Cup, that match must be won, while Spain beats Japan. With a German victory while Spain can only manage a draw or defeat in their last match against Japan, Die Mannschaft will be knocked out of the championship. – If Germany is knocked out of the World Cup in the group stage, it will be a scandal, says former German top scorer Jürgen Klinsmann. Germany could cheer for Niclas Füllkrug’s late equalizer. Photo: ALBERT GEA / Reuters Someone who probably had a lot to think about this Sunday is the Spanish coach Luis Enrique. Greeted his late daughter Before the match, he posted a video that has received a lot of attention on social media. In the clip, which was recorded while the Spain coach is on a bike ride before the match, he says: – Today is a very special day, not only because we are going to play against Germany, but because Xana would have turned 13. My love, where you are: Many kisses, have a great day, we are happy for you! It was in August 2019 that Luis Enrique shared the heartbreaking news that his daughter Xana had lost her battle with cancer. The Spain coach has been widely praised for the strength he has shown since the tragic incident. Luis Enrique with daughter Xana in 2015 before she heartbreakingly died four years later. Photo: LLUIS GENE / AFP The match itself opened with massive Spanish dominance and ball possession. Dani Olmo was about to give the red shirts a dream opening when he fired after just over five minutes, but a feverish save from Manuel Neuer saw the ball go over the crossbar. After just over half an hour, Spain should have taken the lead. Dani Olmo received the ball out on the left and made a fine cross along the ground to Ferran Ferrán Torresto unmarked in five metres. The son-in-law missed But unfortunately for Spain, Luis Enrique’s son-in-law shot over from an excellent range. Torres is known to be with Enrique’s daughter Sira Martinez. For Torres’ part, it was probably perfectly fine that Olmo was offside and the goal had been cancelled. Germany thought they had taken the lead ten minutes before half-time when Antonio Rüdiger headed the ball home from a set piece, but a record-quick VAR check disallowed the goal for offside before the Germans could finish celebrating. Thus it was 0-0 to -ause. The second half was ten minutes old when Germany could have taken the lead, and it was Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón who was in the centre. At first he fumbled when he was about to set off along the ground, gifting the ball to his opponent, before making a masterful save from Joshua Kimmich’s attempt seconds later. Clinical Morata It paid off, because a minute later Jordi Alba found substitute Álvaro Morata in the box with a fine pass, and the striker clinically sent the Spaniards into the lead. Here, Álvaro Morata sends Spain into the lead. Photo: GLYN KIRK / AFP Morata had only been on the field for 8 minutes when the goal came, and the switch from Enrique is praised by BBC expert and former great player Alan Shearer. – This is what happens when you have a centre-forward in the box. Two minutes ago we didn’t see anyone attacking a cross for Germany, Shearer said after the goal. Germany equalized eight minutes before the end. Super talent Jamal Musiala received the ball and passed it to Niclas Füllkrug, who hammered home the equaliser. Thus it was 1-1, and that was also the final result, even though substitute Leroy Sane had a great opportunity to decide right on the eve of added time. Spain closes the group stage with a match against Japan on December 1. Germany plays against Costa Rica. Both games kick-off at 20:00
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Sent touching greetings to his deceased daughter – then he led Spain to an important World Cup point – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcasting schedule
