It’s not all over for Germany at the FIFA World Cup 2022 as they remained in the race for a Round of 16 spot after a 1-1 draw with Spain on Monday. The result gave the four-time champions a much needed one point to stay alive in Qatar, while Spain consolidated their top position in the Group E standings with four points.
Germany were in all sorts of trouble after conceding a goal in the 62nd minute, which could have potentially ended their campaign with a game in hand. But substitute Niclas Fuellkrug struck seven minutes before regulation time to calm the things down for the Germans. They even looked good for a late winner in stoppage time but Spain manged to take away a point from the game.
Alvaro Morato came from the bench again and broke the deadlock just after the hour-mark at the Al Bayt stadium, but Spain failed to keep the advantage till the end. Spain will be happy with the final outcome as they now needed just a draw against Japan in the last game to secure a spot in the knockout stage. Japan, who are in second place with three points despite losing to Costa Rica on Sunday, are also in the mix for the last 16 spot.
Germany will play Costa Rica, who are also in the race and are at third spot with three points behind Japan on goal difference, in their last group game, and a win take them fo four points. So, a Japan loss will take Germany to the next round with Spain from the group. But a draw for Japan or a loss for Spain will bring in the goal difference/ goal scored by the teams into play.