Spain and Germany Draw... Japan's Round of 16 Hopes Uncertain

Morata's Opening Goal for Spain and F?lkrug's Equalizer for Germany... Substitute Cards Each Make an Impact

Nico Williams of Spain and Leon Goretzka of Germany competing for the ball

[Asia Economy Reporter Seomideum] The much-anticipated 'big match' of the 2022 Qatar World Cup group stage between Spain and Germany ended in a 1-1 draw. This result has thrown the E Group's round of 16 competition into unpredictable chaos.

Spain and Germany played to a 1-1 draw in the second match of Group E at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar, on the 28th (Korean time), exchanging one goal each in the second half.

As expected from the group stage's biggest 'big match,' the game was intense, but no goals were scored in the first half. Just seven minutes into the match, Spain's Dani Olmo took a right-footed shot from the left side of the penalty arc, which was caught by goalkeeper Manuel Neuer's hand and then grazed the goalpost. In the 33rd minute of the first half, Olmo delivered a low cross from the left flank, which Ferran Torres connected with a shot, but it did not result in a goal.

Germany shook the Spanish net in the 40th minute of the first half, but the goal was not recognized. Joshua Kimmich took a free kick from the right side, and Antonio R?diger headed it in, but the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) ruled it offside.

The first goal came in the 17th minute of the second half. The scorer was ?lvaro Morata, who was substituted in for Torres nine minutes into the second half. In the 17th minute, Jordi Alba delivered a low cross that Morata pushed in with his right foot.

Germany responded with substitutions. They used all three substitution cards in the 24th minute, bringing on Leroy San? and Niklas F?llkrug, who combined for a goal. In the 38th minute of the second half, San?'s penetrating pass was delivered inside the penalty area by Musiala, and F?llkrug's right foot opened the goal. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Currently, Spain, the 2010 South Africa World Cup champions, lead Group E with 4 points. Japan and Costa Rica, each with 3 points, are chasing, while Germany sits at the bottom with 1 point. Thus, the Group E round of 16 competition will continue until the final matches between Spain-Japan and Germany-Costa Rica.