Still alive and kicking

Germany draws with Spain; Morocco stuns Belgium

DOHA, Qatar (AFP) – A late goal by substitute Niclas Fuellkrug allowed Germany to snatch a 1-1 draw with Spain on Sunday as the four-time winner kept its World Cup hopes alive, but Belgium is in danger of a group-stage exit after losing to Morocco.

Elsewhere, 2018 runner-up Croatia crushed Canada, 4-1, to eliminate its opponents while Costa Rica claimed a shock win over Japan.

Keysher Fuller’s 81st-minute goal for Costa Rica at Doha’s Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Sunday’s early game eased some of the pressure on the Germans as it prevented Japan from taking a giant stride towards the Last 16.

Hansi Flick’s German side nevertheless desperately needed something from their meeting with 2010 winner Spain at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, north of Doha, after losing 2-1 to Japan in the Group E opener.

Yet, the Germans were in big trouble when substitute Alvaro Morata turned in Jordi Alba’s cross to put Spain ahead after the hour mark.

However, Germany, which had an Antonio Ruediger goal disallowed for offside in the first half, had a substitute of its own to thank as Werder Bremen striker Fuellkrug, nicknamed “Gap” due to a missing front tooth, lashed in an 83rd-minute leveller on just his third international appearance.

“We still have room for improvement, but we can hope that everything turns out well in the final game,” Fuellkrug, 29, told German broadcaster ZDF.

His side is still at the bottom of Group E on a single point, with Japan and Costa Rica on three each while Spain sit on top with four.

To avoid a second consecutive group-stage exit, Germany must win its final group match against Costa Rica on Thursday and hope that Spain avoids defeat to Japan.

Spain will definitely qualify with a point against Japan, which now must win that game to give itself the best possible chance of progressing.

“Of course, Spain will be tough but there is a good chance for us to win,” said Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu.

Meanwhile, Belgium is in trouble in Group F following a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Morocco.

A victory for Belgium would have sent it through but Romain Saiss and Zakaria Aboukhlal’s late goals instead secured Morocco a first World Cup win in 24 years.

Belgium, which finished third in 2018, lacked spark and was made to pay by inspired opposition.

“We’re not playing with joy. It’s maybe the weight on our shoulders,” said coach Roberto Martinez.

“In the last game we have to play to win it and as if we have nothing to lose.”

Belgium’s loss led to rioting in Brussels where police used water cannon and teargas after coming under attack from football supporters.

Dozens of fans smashed shop windows, threw fireworks and torched vehicles.

In Sunday’s other game in the same section, Croatia went behind to Canada when Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies scored after just two minutes.

However, the beaten 2018 finalists exploited the gaps in the Canadian defence as they roared back to claim a much-merited victory.

Andrej Kramaric scored twice either side of a fine goal from Marko Livaja before Lovro Majer completed the job in second-half injury time.

Croatia now need just a draw to reach the last 16 when they meet Belgium in their final group game on Thursday, but the Belgians must win to be sure of going through.

The Moroccans will be confident of taking a point from Canada which would send them through.

John Herdman’s side now cannot progress and Canada have lost all five matches at the World Cup finals after they failed to collect a point on their previous appearance in 1986.

On Monday, Brazil and Portugal both have the chance to join defending champions France in the last 16 with one group game to spare.

Five-time winners Brazil will be without Neymar, who has an ankle injury, as they take on Switzerland after Group G rivals Serbia and Cameroon meet in Monday’s early game.

Brazil and the Swiss could both advance if they win, provided the other result goes their way.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal side will qualify if they beat Uruguay, with South Korea meeting Ghana in the other Group H match.