Germany 1 Spain 1: Thomas Muller cancels out Rodrigo’s opener as previous two World Cup winners battle out entertaining draw
THOMAS MULLER curled in a beauty as the two World Cup favourites battled out an entertaining draw.
Germany will head to Russia looking to defend their crown but 2010 winners Spain will also have high aspirations of lifting the trophy in Moscow come July.
It was Spain who quickly stamped their authority on proceedings with a slice of magic from midfield maestro Andres Iniesta.
Mats Hummels was left on his heels when the Barcelona legend played a defence splitting pass into the path of Rodrigo Moreno.
The Valencia forward casually lifted the ball over Marc-Andre ter Stegen to give his World Cup chances a major boost.
Moreno, 27, was making just his fourth appearance for Spain and justified his selection as he tussles with Diego Costa to lead the line in Russia this summer.
Germany were forced to be patient as Spain sprayed the ball across the pitch and they were rewarded with a fine equaliser from Thomas Muller.
Known for his poachers finishes, Muller curled in a beauty from outside the area to beat David De Gea.
The Manchester United keeper was called into action just minutes into the second half when he flung himself to his left to deny Julian Draxler's long ranged effort.
Then it was ter Stegen's turn to keep the scores level when he denied Isco with his legs from just a few yards out.
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Germany went up the other end with a blistering counter attack and Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan was denied by another fine stop by De Gea.
Hummels then went close to putting the home side ahead when his looping header from Toni Kroos' free-kick clattered the top of the crossbar.
Germany face another tough test against the Brazilians on Tuesday while Spain take on Argentina.