Spain and Germany draw 1-1 in the big match on the second day of Group E of the Qatar 2022 World Cup. The result allows the Red Furies to climb to 4 points, in first place alone. Germany, at 1, is last behind Japan and Costa Rica who have 3 points. The Germans must beat the American selection on the last day of December 1st to hope for qualification for the round of 16.
THE MATCH – Spain confirmed the qualities shown in their debut: delicious dribbling and sudden accelerations. In the 7th minute the Red Furies arrive with a shot from Dani Olmo who shakes the crossbar from the edge of the area, aided by a deflection by Neuer. Germany accepts the challenge on the pace imposed by the Iberians. The Germans are struggling to get out of the opponent’s pressing and to develop play: there is no real ‘9’ up front that can raise the team, it’s not always possible to advance with the ball on the ground. Result: little or nothing happens near the Spanish gate.
Not even Neuer really, after the initial thrill, has to damn his soul. Jordi Alba tries to surprise him from outside, but his aim is wrong. Germany tries to capitalize on set pieces and succeeds in the 39th minute. Kimmich’s free kick, the Spain defense ignored Rudiger who headed in the centre: however the goal evaporated immediately due to the defender’s offside and the 0-0 held up until the interval.
The script doesn’t change at the start of the shot. Spain always relies on building from below and in the 55th minute risks getting hurt with Unai Simon’s lightness. The goalkeeper gives the ball to Germany, which builds a clear chance: Kimmich kicks from the edge, the goalkeeper remedies. On the other side Dani Olmo’s ring, central trajectory and Neuer doesn’t tremble. The balance jumps in the 62nd minute thanks to a new entrant. Spain develops an enveloping maneuver, Jordi Alba puts in a low cross and Morata falls on the near post: outside right, Neuer beaten and 1-0. Germany reacts more with nerves than with play, in the 73rd minute they produce the best opportunity for an equaliser. Kimmich triggers Musiala who, from a decentralized position, hits Unai Simon wasting the chance. The German pressure increases in the last portion of the match and produces the equalizer in the 84th minute. Quick combination and ball to Fullkrug, the attacker – who came on from the bench – breaks through the goal with a blow at the crossroads: 1-1. The match ending doesn’t undermine the X, it ends in a draw.
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