Germany were handed a lifeline earlier in the day when Costa Rica came out victorious against Japan, meaning Die Mannschaft needed at least a point to keep their chances of making the last-16 alive.
They were facing a Spain team full of confidence, fresh of their biggest World Cup win ever after a 7-0 victory against Costa Rica.
The early period of the game went as expected with Spain passing the ball around neatly and Germany trying to hit them on the counter. However, none of the goals could be breached before half-time even though Antonio Rudiger thought he had given Germany the lead. VAR stepped in and pulled the goal back as the Real Madrid defender had strayed offside.
Early in the second half, Luis Enrique brought on Alvaro Morata, hoping he would add something extra to the game. That’s exactly what he did. The striker ran onto a low cross from Jordi Alba and flicked a smart finish past Manuel Neuer to give Spain the lead.
Germany were on their way out of the tournament if nothing changed and Hansi Flick went to his bench to try and add something new to the German attack. He brought on Leroy Sané and Niclas Füllkrug, hoping the duo would bring the change his attack needed.
Füllkrug on just his third appearance for Germany would come up with the goal after he rifled in a sharp half volley past Unai Simon.
Following the game, Germany sit bottom of the group with just one point though a two-goal win against Costa Rica in their final match will see them through as long as Spain also beat Germany. For Spain, they have their fate in their hands. All they need is a point in their final game against Japan and they’re through to the last 16.
