2022 World Cup: Pressure brews on Flick as Füllkrug salvages late point for Germany

Germany failed to blaze past Spain after securing a 1-1 draw with them in a bonfire encounter in their second match of the group stage at the Al-Bayt Stadium in Al-Khor.

Die Mannschaft are on the chopping board to unceremoniously get eliminated from the World Cup as the missing form that has gripped the German continues to be alarming.


Germany needs a radical improvement after their horrendous start to the tournament in Group E - a 2-1 loss to the Samurai Blue of Japan. Coach Hans-Dieter Flick’s side - escaped La Roja's thumping as the Spaniards were dominant in the early minutes of the game as they kept opening fire with their mas tika-taka style of play - winning majority of the possession.

It was a torrid moment for a German side who are staring elimination in the face. Alvaro Morata scored the opener for Spain following a superb build up from Jordi Alba that saw the ball glide over the fingers of Manuel Neuer which went into the right side of the net.


Germany boss, Flick, who seemed under pressure and aware of his side's slim remaining hopes - quickly rolled the dice by effecting three changes by bring on Leroy Sane and Niclas Füllkrug, with the former pressing hard for the equalizer and was rewarded for his effort at the 83rd minute mark to draw Germany level for a 1-1 tie at the final whistle.

While Germany lurking bottom of the group with just a point, a two goal win against Costa Rica in their final match will see them through, but unless Japan fails to beat Spain.


Meanwhile, Spain frantically need only a draw to progress to the next stage, but they will be out to stamp, annex a win and sit top of Group E.

 

By: Pascal Nii Gogo Amoah