DOHA: Niclas Fullkrug scored a brilliant late equalizer to deny Spain a smooth passage to the round of 16 as Germany came from behind to level 1-1, which kept their race alive in Group E of the FIFA World Cup 2022.

Alvaro Morata came off the bench to give Spain the lead in the 62nd minute but Werder Bremen forward fired the leveler in the 83rd minute to earn first point for Germany, here at Al Bayt Stadium.

Germany, who earlier faced a shocking defeat by Japan in their opening group match, made several changes to the team and fought valiantly throughout the game against a strong Spanish side.

Antonio Rudiger managed to get the ball behind the nets in the first half but the goal was disallowed for the offside while Jamal Musiala missed a big opportunity in the second half as Unai Simon pulled out a brilliant save.

Morata, introduced in the second half, scored the opening goal with a fine flick inside the box that went past Manuel Neuer and took Spain in the lead.

But an even response from Fullkrug, who substituted Thomas Muller in the 70th minute, saved the day for Germany.

The 2014 World Cup winners still remain at the bottom of Group E after this draw but a victory over Costa Rica in their final group fixture on Friday would be enough to take them into next round unless Japan pull off another upset against Spain on that day.

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