Spain 1-1 Germany: Still all to play for in Group E

Goals from two super-subs in the second half – Alvaro Morata for Spain and Niclas Fullkrug for Germany – in a fascinating encounter ensured Germany stay in contention for a place in the round of 16 of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Germany, the joint-second most successful team in FIFA World Cup history with four tournament wins, failed to convert most of their chances against Japan.

They were the more dominant team throughout the game, and Hansi Flick’s men had a whopping 21 shots at goal but scored only one goal.

The result of that match meant a loss to Spain would have ended their hopes until Japan threw them a lifeline.

At the end of the second round of matches in the group, Spain tops with four points, followed by Japan and Costa Rica with three points, and Germany is at the bottom, with just one point from two games.

The qualification for the round of 16 is going down to the wire as no team is assured yet of qualification.

A loss or a draw against Costa Rica will end Germany’ hopes of winning another title.

A win against Costa Rica will give them more probability of qualifying, but it will depend on the outcome of the other match between Spain and Japan.

Only Spain’s victory will work for the Germans, but they will also need a better goal difference from their Asian group opponent.

Japan also needs to beat Spain to be in contention for one of the group’s two tickets to the round of 16. A victory for Japan will give ensure they tie on four points with Spain and if Germany beats Costa Rica, three team will now end up with four points each.

If Costa Rica beats Germany, they will secure their ticket to the round of 16.