With 70 minutes on the clock against Spain, and with Germany staring down the barrel of second successive World Cup group stage exit, Hansi Flick decided that the time for ‘false nines’ was over. Come on then Spain; let’s see how you deal with the real thing.
Not brilliantly, was the answer. Luis Enrique’s backline had been given something of an easy ride until Niclas Fullkrug rose from the bench with around 25 minutes remaining at the Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday evening.
Rodri, a picture of composure at the heart of defence for most of the game, was given an early warning just seconds after Fullkrug’s introduction; the Werder Bremen targetman darting across the near post and nearly connecting with a devilish cross.
There was to be no reprieve on minute 83.
For the first time in what felt like the entirety of the World Cup group-stages, a German forward darted in behind the opposition backline, Fullkrug’s clever movement taking him beyond the Spanish defence. And, if there were any doubts about whether or not this most late-blooming of 29-year-old’s could replicate his prolific club form on the biggest of stages, those questions were answered in the most emphatic fashion imaginable.
Unai Simon barely had a chance to flinch as Fullkrug’s heat-seeking missile of a shot rippled the top corner of his net.
Newcastle, Aston Villa and Fulham once wanted Germany’s World Cup hero Niclas Fullkrug
For all Kai Havertz’ fancy flicks, it was Fullkrug’s power, placement and predatory instincts which ensured that Germany go into the final group-stage game with a last-16 spot still within reach. There are worse times to score your first ever competetive goal at international level.
“We’re very happy that he showed us his determination and how to score goals,” sighed a relieved Flick at full-time. “He gives lots to the team, not only goals. He’s also a very good boy. He has his heart in the right place and we are very happy to have him.”
So, for that matter, are Werder Bremen.
Back in 2018, when the likes of Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Fulham, Cardiff City and Watford were expressing an interest in the then-Hannover powerhouse, (BILD) Fullkrug was reportedly valued in the region of £8 million. It would take a damn sight more than that to convince Werder to cash in these days.
“If an immoral offer comes along, which Niclas would like to accept, we will at least have to consider with it due to our financial possibilities,” explains Werder director Clemens Fritz; the report adding that English football is Fullkrug’s most likely destination should the Bundesliga’s top scorer opt for a new challenge in the near future.
What, you ask, constitutes an ‘immoral offer’? Well, BILD believe that it would take a minimum of £18 million to twist Werder’s arm.
With 12 goals in 15 starts, however, Fullkrug is nearing ‘priceless’ territory for club and country.
‘He is totally ready’
“The German team should focus on its own strengths. That clearly includes Niclas Fullkrug,” former international Holger Badstuber tells Sport1.
Flick’s side face Costa Rica in a make-or-break group decider on Thursday.
“Against Costa Rica, (Fullkrug) would be the right choice for the first team,” Badstuber adds. “And he is totally ready for that! We need a win. We need a proper striker and his goals.
“With Fullkrug from the start, it would be clear; there’s a real No. 9. There’s someone who wants the ball, and who has proven how dangerous he is. That’s an important signal.”
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