FIFA World Cup 2022: Fullkrug’s late strike keeps Germany’s hopes alive as they settle for 1-1 draw against Spain; Costa Rica beat Japan 1-0 | XtraTime

Xtra Time Web Desk: Niclas Fullkrug scored a late goal for Germany as the four-times former World Cup champions settled for a 1-1 draw against Spain in FIFA World Cup 2022 Group E clash at Al Bayt stadium on Sunday. The draw meant Hansi Flick’s boys are still alive in the tournament.

It was a night of super-subs as Alvaro Morata gave Spain the lead in the 62nd minute. Niclas Fullkrug restored parity moments later (83’) after coming on to the pitch. Germany earned their first point of the 2022 World Cup following their shock defeat to Japan.

Spain took the lead in the match as Morata with a deft flick from close range defeated Manuel Neur to go inside the goal. Niclas Fullkrug found the equalizer with a fierce finish after Musiala’s turn.

Germany remains bottom of Group E but the situation could have been worse had Japan not lost to Costa Rica earlier in the day.  

The Germans would require a win against Costa Rica in their last group league fixture on Thursday. As for Luis Enrique’s side, they could not match the fluency of their 7-0 win against Coasta Rica but do have one foot in the last 16.

In another Group E fixture Costa Rica defeated Japan by a goal at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.

Keysher Fuller (81’) scored the winner for Los Ticos as he curled a shot over Shuichi Gonda’s reach to find the back of the nets.