Germany 1-1 Spain International friendly: match report

Germany 1-1 Spain: match report

There was not an inch given or asked for as two international football heavyweights and World Cup favourites met on Friday night in Düsseldorf. Germany welcomed Spain to the Espirit Arena and from the first minute, it felt like it could have been a World Cup final.

Germany were pressing high up the field as Spain struggled to impose their possession-based approach. They did slowly wrestle control of the game off Low's side with the help of Isco's excellence and Iniesta's brilliance.

That was capped off when Rodrigo Moreno slotted past Ter Stegen when Iniesta fed him a ball behind the German backline. The pass from Iniesta was sublime and the run matched it - the finish from Moreno, however, might have been even better leaving the Barcelona goalkeeper with no chance. A deserved lead as Spain braced for a German kickback.

As half-time loomed, Germany struck. It would take a corker from Muller too from outside the box. From a seemingly neutral position, the Bayern man swung a right boot at it and it curled out of De Gea's reach and into the very top corner.

That was it for the scoring but the beautiful football was far from over. Costa came close and Werner constantly threatened up the other end. Isco was denied by Ter Stegen with a world class save before De Gea turned a Gundogan effort around the post just seconds later.

You could tell by the ambition that both of these sides showed that they have their sights set on a deep run in Russia this summer; and you can tell by the talent on display in Düsseldorf on Friday night that they're right to.

Germany vs Spain: live international friendly updates

Germany vs Spain: international friendly preview

Two of the World Cup's favourite play each other on Friday night in what is the pick of international friendlies over the weekend. Julen Lopetegui and his side have been trying to avoid labels and says whatever others say, they still have to do it on the field. Germany are reigning champions after Mario Gotze's winner in 2014 against Argentina after hammering Brazil on the way but those four teams mentioned will be vying for spots in the final once the summer rolls around.

Joachim Loew will have to do without Emre Can as he could only train for 20 minutes before the game and has been ruled out. He does have many of his first choice XI and will likely start them all to see where they are at before the World Cup starts. The likes of Hummels, Kroos, Gundogan, Ozil and Werner are all touted to start with the biggest competition in international football just a couple of months away. No better way to test your troops on the frontline.

Spain, on the other hand, are without Sergio Busquets as Villarreal's Rodri looks like he will have the chance to debut. Diego Costa is back too with Real Madrid's Marco Asensio and Manchester Ciy's David Silva likely flanking him in what looks like a formidabble, creative and quick attack. Sergio Ramos will make his 150th appearance for Spain on Friday night as he eyes Iker Casillas' record in the red of his country.