Spain spurned a 1-0 lead against fierce European rivals Germany in a 1-1 stalemate at Al Bayt Stadium in the second group-stage round of the 2022 World Cup. The two top-seeded teams in Group E shared the spoils in a dramatic draw that could have gone both ways.
Inspired by a triumphant 2022 UEFA Nations League group stage campaign, Spain entered the tournament in high spirits and immediately put North American minnows, Costa Rica, to the sword. Indeed, five different players were on the scoresheet as Luis Enrique’s high-flyers pulled off a jaw-dropping 7-0 victory.
Fresh from their biggest-margin win in World Cup history, Spain took the field of Al Bayt Stadium aware three points against Germany would catapult them into the knockout rounds with a game to spare. Everything seemed fine from the Spaniards’ perspective, especially after they defeated Die Mannschaft 1-0 in their most recent World Cup encounter.
After a goalless first half, second-half substitute Alvaro Morata turned home a delightful low cross from Jordi Alba to put Spain in front. However, another substitute, Niclas Fullkrug, leveled the score with a thunderous finish from inside the box.
Despite missing a chance to secure a place in the knockout stages with a game to spare, Spain will have a golden opportunity to seal progression when they meet Japan on matchday three.
Spain (4-3-3)
Unai Simon – 5
Powereless against Fullkrug’s phenomenal finish, the Athletic Bilbao shot-stopper otherwise had almost nothing to do.
Jordi Alba – 7
Much more mobile than his colleague on the opposite side, Dani Carvajal, Alba was a constant threat on the left side. His darting runs down the flank and understanding with the likes of Pedri and Gavi provided the backbone for Spain’s ‘tiki-taka’ system tonight.
Aymeric Laporte – 6.5
A composed display from the Manchester City defender, as he ensured stability both defensively and when called into action to start Spain’s attacks.
Rodri – 7
Again played out of positions, as was the case against Costa Rica, Rodri delivered another top-class showing from a center-back role.
Dani Carvajal – 5.5
Not one of Carvajal’s best performances when it comes to his ventures forward, yet he did a great job keeping Serge Gnabry out of the game.
Sergio Busquets – 6.5
There’s not much more you can ask from a veteran midfielder. In addition to keeping things calm when in possession, he made numerous interceptions, anchoring Enrique’s midfield with authority.
Gavi – 6.5
Having become the youngest player to score a goal at the World Cup since Pele against Costa Rica, Gavi looked lively on the pitch but struggled for the end product. Nevertheless, his quick-thinking movements and passing often helped Spain retain the ball under pressure.
Pedri – 7
Another phenomenal display from the Barcelona whizz-kid. The super-talented midfielder was everywhere, giving momentum to his team’s attacking movements while barely losing possession.
Marco Asensio – 5.5
No doubt Enrique had expected more from the Real Madrid outcast following an inspirational performance against Costa Rica, yet Asensio failed to live up to the billing tonight.
Dani Olmo – 7
Unlikey to see Manuel Neuer deflect his mid-range thunderbolt to the crossbar and into the corner, but was the beating heart of Spain’s attempts to crack open Germany’s defensive set-up.
Ferran Torres – 3.5
One of the worst-performing players in the red jersey. Lost way too many balls and looked clueless when he should have made better choices.
Read our Player Ratings for Germany
Substitutes
Alvaro Morata – 7
Came off the bench in the 54th minute and fired his team to a slender lead only eight minutes later with a top-class finish. Apart from the goal, the Atletico Madrid striker did fine job keeping hold of possession.
Koke – N/A
Nico Williams – N/A
Alejandro Balde – N/A