Niclas Fullkrug Scores Late Goal to Save Germany's World Cup Match Against Spain

Niclas Fullkrug's late equaliser earned Germany a morale-boosting 1-1 draw with Spain in a heavyweight World Cup game on Sunday, putting both teams' ambitions of reaching the last 16 in doubt.

Niclas Fullkrug's late equaliser earned Germany a morale-boosting 1-1 draw with Spain in a heavyweight World Cup game on Sunday, putting both teams' ambitions of reaching the last 16 in doubt. Spain were on pace to qualify from Group E thanks to Alvaro Morata's flicked finish, but the electrifying Jamal Musiala and Sebastian Fullkrug combined to foil La Roja and restore some German dignity. Costa Rica's unexpected win over Japan earlier in the day relieved some of Germany's burden following their stunning loss to the Asian team, but they were unable to capitalise for lengthy stretches in a struggle for the ball against Spain.

Four years ago, the four-time world champions were humiliated in a group-stage departure in Russia, and Morata's strike at Al Bayt Stadium had them on the ropes, but Werder Bremen attacker Fullkrug finished beautifully to split the points.

With one set of fixtures remaining, Spain leads Group E with four points, followed by Japan and Costa Rica on three apiece, and Germany on one.

"We really wanted to pull (this game) back; it was really crucial for the mood (in the camp)," Fullkrug said to German television network ZDF.

"We still have space to improve, but we can hope that everything works out in the end."

The only World Cup group-stage match between two previous champions played up to its hype in terms of intensity and tactical intricacy, with both teams determined to dominate possession and press aggressively.

Germany coach Hansi Flick denied that his squad was distracted in their stunning opening loss to Japan due to their pre-game protest against FIFA "silencing teams," and the tense opening exchanges swiftly guaranteed that all emphasis was on the football.

Flick dropped Kai Havertz from his starting lineup and put Thomas Mueller up front following their devastating first-day loss, aiming for a speedy response.

Spain almost seized the lead in the seventh minute, when Manuel Neuer palmed Dani Olmo's thunderous shot from range against the crossbar.

Germany appeared to be taking up where they left off following their 7-0 thrashing of Costa Rica, but the Germans steeled themselves, putting Luis Enrique's side at bay.

Under pressure, Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon relied on his feet as La Roja looked to dominate possession.

Serge Gnabry had a chance after a mistake, but he shot wide.

As Germany sought to build from the back, Neuer also made a mistake with the ball at his feet, but Ferran Torres was unable to exploit.

Antonio Ruediger slammed in a free-kick header, but his joy was cut short when VAR caught him half a step ahead of the Spanish defence, and Simon made a wonderful stop to deny Joshua Kimmich.

Just when Luis Enrique's team appeared to be losing control of the game, they broke the tie.

After 62 minutes, Morata, who had replaced Torres, scored decisively at the near post from an enticing low cross from Jordi Alba.

The 2010 winners thought to have done enough, but Fullkrug, making his third international appearance, had other ideas, slipping in behind replacement Alejandro Balde and blasting past Simon with seven minutes left.

Spain, which needs a point to advance, plays Japan on Thursday, while Germany must win Costa Rica and pray La Roja does not lose.

"They are a fantastic team; they had one huge chance and they grabbed it," Morata told TVE in Spain.

"They targeted our top players, and they are a squad that may be among the favourites to win the World Cup, so we must take the positives and continue to improve."