Luis Enrique, manager of Spain, commented on his team’s World Cup draw with Germany, expressing mixed feelings about the result.
The Group E match was a competitive encounter with huge stakes. After a dominating start to their campaign in Qatar, Spain dominated possession and was riding high, but they met their match with a resurgent German squad.
After almost falling behind in the first half, substitute Alvaro Morata gave Spain the lead after sixty minutes. They continued to dominate Germany, but a series of late substitutions allowed Hansi Flick’s team to regain control.
Like Morata, Germany’s substitute striker Niclas Fullkrug equalized with seven minutes remaining, securing a point that could be crucial to their hopes of advancing to the round of 16.
Luis Enrique admitted to the press after the game, “It’s a strange feeling to have the opportunity to win against Germany and then lose in the final minutes.”
Nonetheless, despite being conflicted about the outcome and claiming that his team should have secured the victory, he remained optimistic: “You have to believe that we are in the lead after two (match)days.”
A point extends Spain’s lead atop Group E to four points, while Germany earns their first of the season.
Spain can now assist Germany in advancing from the group stage by defeating Japan on Thursday.
