Germany and Spain played the highest-quality game of the World Cup so far in Group E on Sunday night.
The 1-1 draw was a clinic in two styles of play which have dominated football over the last two decades. The Spanish passing patterns and the German high press were utilized by both sides in a close encounter.
The result combined with Japan’s defeat against Costa Rica means Germany are actually in a good position to qualify for the knockout stages.
They’re the only team in the Group yet to win, but if results go as expected on the final day, a win sees them through.
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Spain, who smashed Costa Rica 7-0 in their first game, found themselves up against a much sterner test on Sunday. After an opening period in which both teams felt each other out, Spain began to impose themselves.
Spain were the ones finding the incisive passes as they were just a second or two quicker than the Germans.
Gavi and Pedri in midfield, at 18 and 20 years old respectively, looked like Xavi and Iniesta reincarnated. To look so good against a midfield of Kimmich, Goretzka and Gundogan is nothing short of incredible. This World Cup may prove to be too soon, but Spain have a platform to build on for years with the Barcelona pair.
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To progress, Germany need to do something they haven’t done since their second group game of 2018; win a world cup match.
They’re not the champions we remember, but this Germany team ought to acquit itself better. Why a squad containing Gnabry, Havertz, Sane, Gundogan, Musiala, and Thomas Muller isn’t more dangerous is anybody’s guess.
If they’re going to click, it has to be against Costa Rica on Thursday.
