Late Germany draw against Spain keeps qualification hopes alive

The German national team scored a late equaliser against Spain on Sunday night to keep their hopes of qualifying from the group stage in the 2022 FIFA World Cup alive.

Going into the match, the DFB team's only hope of qualifying was to avoid losing against the La Roja after they lost to Japan in their opening match last week.

The game was fraught with anxiety as the Spanish national team were also looking to secure qualification after a 7-0 victory over Costa Rica in their first match.

Spain came close to taking the lead in the early minute of the game after Dani Olmo's volley, palmed by Manuel Neuer, hit the goalpost.

Spain had another opportunity to take the lead in the 32nd minute, but Barcelona's Ferran Torres squandered the chance, hitting the woodwork.

Five minutes later, Real Madrid's defender Antonio Rüdiger opened the scoring for Germany following a set piece, but he was unfortunate to see his first goal in the tournament ruled offside through a VAR check.

The German national team struggled throughout the first half, losing the majority of possession. Despite their poor performance, Hansi Flick's team remained focused and went into the break unscathed.

The Spanish national team took the lead in the 61st minute when substitute Álvaro Morata flicked the ball into the net.

Germany were on the verge of missing out on round of 16 qualification but responded with a beautiful late strike from Werder Bremen's striker, Niclas Füllkrug, who kept their hope of advancing to the World Cup alive.

Following the 1-1 draw, Germany find themselves at the bottom of Group E with only one point, three behind group leaders Spain and two behind second and third placed Japan and Costa Rica.

The DFB team will face Costa Rica in a must-win final group stage match on Thursday, December 1, hoping that Spain do them the favour of beating Japan to advance to the next round.