Luay Ahmed
Right from the off, the Spaniards attempted to impose themselves on the game by employing their usual quick passing style, while Germany tried to respond by winning physical duels and quickly moving the ball up the field using the speed of Gnabry and Musiala.
The first dangerous opportunity of the game fell to Spain, when Daniel Olmo cut inside from the left wing and unleashed a powerful long-range strike, which Manuel Neuer tipped onto the crossbar.
Germany responded quickly, when a slick passing move between Gundogan and Goretzka saw the latter slide in a through ball for Gnabry who shot straight at the Spanish goalie. However, the referee’s assistant raised his flag for an offside call.
Ten minutes later, with Spain continuing to threaten from their left-hand side, Jordi Alba cut inside to his weaker right foot and unleashed a long range effort which curled past the far post. Germany again responded quickly. A poor clearance from the Spanish goalkeeper saw the ball land at the feet of Gnabry, who curled a shot past the far post.
In the 33rd minute, Spain created their best opportunity of the half when a low cross from the left wing found Feran Torres unmarked in the penalty box. The Barcelona winger blasted his shot over the crossbar, to the relief of the German side and their fans.
Once again, Germany responded instantly. A Joshua Kimmich free kick found Rudiger unmarked in the Spanish penalty area. The Real Madrid defender directed his header into the back of the net, only for a VAR review to rule out the goal for offside, sending the teams into the break tied at 0-0.
Germany had the first dangerous opportunity of the second half as Simon played a short pass to Pedri, who was quickly pressed by the Germans to regain possession. The play resulted in a Kimmich shot which was strongly saved by Simon.
Spain responded by pushing higher up the field, and their efforts paid off when substitute Alvaro Morata flicked a low cross by Jordi Alba past Manuel Neuer’s near post to give his side the lead.
The Spanish pressure continued when two minutes later, an Olmo run down the left wing saw him flash a low ball across the field. Pedri allowed the ball to run to Asensio, who skied his effort over the bar.
The last fifteen minutes of the game saw the Germans begin to pin Spain back in their half. Musiala was played through on goal but his effort was directed at the Simon who made the save but knew little about it.
The German pressure eventually paid off as a Leroy Sane pass found its way into the path of Niklas Fullkrug via a touch from Musiala. The substitute made no mistake with his strike into the top corner, leveling the score-line between the two European powerhouses.
Final score: Spain 1 – 1 Germany