Germany fought back to earn a point against Spain on Matchday 2.

Coupled with Japan’s defeat earlier in the day, Germany still has everything to play for ahead of an end-game versus Costa Rica on Thursday.

More than just a goalscoring issue

Germany’s lack of a proper number nine for much of this fixture was once again a major point of discussion.

Their inability to capitalize on chances was what grabbed the attention following the defeat to Japan, but in the Spain fixture, it was the lack of an outlet from a focal center-forward that made many crave an earlier inclusion of Niclas Füllkrug.

Luis Enrique’s side confidently pressed high up the pitch knowing that Germany didn’t have a strong hold-up presence that could occupy the centerback pairing, allowing Spain to invest huge numbers into the final third without ever truly fearing that they could be exploited behind their backline.

Neither pace in behind nor a physical presence ahead could offer Germany an outlet, seeing much of their early attempts to relieve pressure come straight back. Only when Füllkrug finally entered the fray did we see proceedings shift in Germany’s favor.

Late… but Superb

Hansi Flick left his subs very late, but when Leroy Sané, Niclas Füllkrug, and Lukas Klostermann entered the match in the 70th minute, Germany finally found their feet. ...