FC Bayern’s German internationals kept their hopes of reaching the World Cup last 16 alive with a 1-1 draw against Spain on Sunday evening. There were no fewer than six players from the German record champions in the starting line-up in Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala, Thomas Müller, Leon Goretzka and Serge Gnabry, while Leroy Sané - who missed the opening group match against Japan with a knee problem - was brought on with 20 minutes left.
Neuer becomes World Cup record holder
Manuel Neuer has made 18 World Cup appearances since his debut in 2010 - more than any other goalkeeper.
Captain Neuer made his 18th World Cup appearance, moving him above Cláudio Taffarel and Sepp Maier as the record goalkeeper, and he witnessed a committed performance from his team. In an even contest, Spain broke the deadlock through Álvaro Morata in the 62nd minute, but German sub Niclas Füllkrug (83’) netted the deserved equaliser for Die Mannschaft after good build-up work from Sané and Musiala.
Still all to play for
Thanks to Costa Rica’s 1-0 victory over Japan in the other match in Group E, a win for Germany over the South Americans in the final round of fixtures would be enough if Japan lose to Spain. If that game ends in a draw, the Germans must win by at least two goals to go through. A Spanish defeat would end any realistic hopes of progression, as Hansi Flick’s men would have to overturn a goal difference which is currently eight worse than Spain’s.
There were also games involving FCB internationals earlier in the day:
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