Three things we learned: Germany 1-1 Spain

Germany and Spain played out an entertaining 1-1 draw in an international friendly on Friday night. Julen Lopetegui’s side started on the front foot with an early goal from Rodrigo Moreno but the reigning World Cup champions levelled the scores before the break with a stunning 25-yard strike from Thomas Muller.
The second period saw opportunities for both nations but the goalkeepers were on guard to restrict any further damage. Despite the game ending in a stalemate, there were plenty of positives for the coaches involved, and Germany and Spain will now focus on their friendlies against Brazil and Argentina respectively next week.
Three Things We Learned:
Spain’s dominance from the off: Spain were not over roared by the occasion of an away game, and they started brilliantly from the off with their tiki-taka style of passing. A delightful pass from Andres Iniesta allowed Rodrigo to open the scoring, and they could have quite easily doubled the scores, had Ter Stegen not intercepted David Silva 10 minutes later. Though Germany equalised, Spain had plenty of chances of their own to convert, but Ter Stegen stood firm between the sticks.
Thomas Muller back to his best: Muller had found himself out of sync during the previous campaign for club and country, but since Jupp Heynckes took in-charge at Bayern, he has looked the player of old. Unlike, many of his teammates, Muller does not possess the trickery and finesse to beat opponents, but he has the special talent of being in the right place to have a shot on goal. Muller, who was Germany’s captain in the second-half, found the scoresheet with a brilliant shot from outside the box, which beat David de Gea with the finest of margins.
Germany not completely favourites: Germany were quite rightfully the strongest outfit during the previous World Cup where they ousted hosts Brazil by a 7-1 scoreline during the semi-finals. However, with the recent transition, the reigning champions may not have a cruise through the park. Spain’s experienced player in David Silva and Andres Iniesta could have nearly split their defence apart on the night, and Joachim Loew needs to find a cohesion in the backline ahead of the global tournament in Russia.