Germany are under FIFA investigation for allegedly breaching World Cup rules ahead of their 1-1 draw against Spain on Sunday. Hansi Flick’s side are still alive in Group E after denying the leaders with a late equaliser at Al Bayt Stadium but could be in hot water for their movements before the clash.
Niclas Fullkrug came off the bench to net his first competitive goal for Germany in the 83rd minute, chalking off Spain substitute Alvaro Morata’s opener on the hour mark. The point leaves Germany with a great chance of qualifying for the last 16 after their shock opening 2-1 defeat against Japan earlier in the week.
The four-time World Cup winners need to defeat Costa Rica on Thursday for a spot in the knockouts after they handed them a significant favour by responding to a 7-0 defeat to Spain by beating Japan. Germany could be in bother for their antics off the pitch, with manager Flick failing to adhere to FIFA rules in the build-up.
According to German outlet MDR Aktuell, World Cup rules state that all managers are expected to attend pre-match press conferences with one of their players in Qatar. However, Flick addressed the media alone ahead of the crunch clash, disobeying FIFA’s regulations.
JUST IN: South Korea boss sent off after explosive row with Anthony Taylor
FIFA is yet to comment on whether an investigation is ongoing, but Germany’s punishment will likely depend on how strict the rules are. Flick could personally be punished if it is deemed his responsibility.
Germany are aiming to prevent group-stage elimination for the second successive World Cup after their disastrous title defence under Joachim Low in Russia in 2018. Defeats to Mexico and South Korea saw the Germans finish bottom of Group F, and similar humiliation threatened after their nightmare start this year.
READ MORE: Switzerland team bus crashes into police car before World Cup clash
Despite his side now being in a favourable position after salvaging a point against Spain and Costa Rica’s smash-and-grab versus Japan, Flick has admitted he has concerns over his team’s mentality. The former Bayern Munich manager has urged his squad to match Fullkrug’s determination on the pitch if they’re to lift a record-levelling fifth World Cup on December 18.
“I think that the team needs more self-confidence,” Flick explained after the Spain draw. “I think that things start to develop when you start to win, but maybe this will give us a boost to have the self-confidence to get more goals. We need the determination of Niclas Fullkrug.”
Want the latest Premier League news as we publish it on Express Sport? Join our Facebook group by clicking here.