Both sets of players have got some touches in but the first burst of adrenalin on the stands comes as Spain's high press pays dividends. Pedri wins the ball, slides it out wide to Torres and, just as everyone (including me) is expecting the usual low cross between defenders and Neuer, he pulls it behind them to Asensio on the edge of the area.
WORLD CUP 2022Will Germany be eliminated from the World Cup if they lose against Spain? As mentioned, Germany have been let off the hook. After springing a huge surprise by beating the Die Mannschaft in the opening match of the group stages, Japan lost to Costa Rica in today’s early kick-off, which tightens the group right back up. Had the Samurai Blue won against the Central Americans, they would’ve found themselves on six points, with the Germans on none ahead of the clash with Spain, who looked hugely impressive in the 7-0 rout of Los Ticos on Wednesday. Roddy takes you through the permutations. Wow! That crept up on me a little, and the players are already in the tunnel readying themselves for battle.
Ah, it's wasted, too long and more than one attacking player clearly offside when it was taken. Real Madrid fans can't wait to see this version of Marco Asensio back at the Bernabéu. Sprinting away down the left wing before his cross is collected by Neuer just a reminder that he's more than subtle tricks and touches. Peeep! We're back underway, Germany with the start. Half-time musingsSo, how to sum up that first 45 or so minutes.
One thing appears fairly clear, the German right-back position I mentioned earlier is seen as a weakness. Japan spotted that too, eventually, and Flick will need to address it ahead of the final, crucial match. Another chance, this time it's for Asensio. Great play all round, down the left on the counter, played across the edge of the area, stepped over to lay it on a plate for the Mallorcan, but he goes pitching wedge rather than firm putt. That may be his last involvement.
Morata in Spain's top fiveHad you said that Álvaro Morata was in the top handful of goalscorers in Spanish history (and it wasn't my job to know stuff like this) then I'd have questioned your sources. Just think about who has come before. SAVE!!! Time seemed to stand still there, as the young star Musiala found himself in acres (figuratively, clearly! ) of space at Spain's back post, He controlled, he looked up, he fired goalwards...
Oh, the flag's up anyway so false excitement, if a breather for their fans. Clang! A lovely right-footed hit from Olmo, on the edge of the box, is pushed by German's big keeper onto the underside of the crossbar. Some really tidy exchanges from the Spanish in the final third reminding us of their first performance against Costa Rica.
Half chance. Spain get us going, shooting from left to right as I watch on, and wearing their normal all red as per the instructions of Luis Enrique. Germany are in all white with a black stripe down the front of the shirts. Early possession for La Roja... OK, singing, on the pitch at least, is over. Time to get down to business... A hum-dinger of an anthemWhy aren't the Spanish players belting out their anthem? That was the question that used to be asked often by ignorant commentators suggesting their passion may be lacking. Don't be like them. Knowledge is good and we can help.
GOAL!! Fullkrug fires homeIt's a lovely finish high past Simon into the roof of the net, taking over the spin turn by Jancker. VAR has a look for offside but it's all good and we are level. Kimmich has a chance from the dead ball, around 20-22 yards out. The wall is made and... the wall does its job. That draw that I'd suggested both teams may settle for must look really attractive to the Germans now.