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Ammon News - Hansi Flick believes Germany's late equaliser to claim a 1-1 draw with Spain on Sunday could be the "spark we need" to ignite their 2022 World Cup campaign.

Substitute Niklas Fullkrug thundered in an 83rd-minute goal to cancel out Spain's lead and earn the four-time world champions their first point from two matches following their shock opening loss to Japan.

The point keeps alive Germany's hopes of advancing to the knockout stage ahead of Thursday's final Group E match against Costa Rica, which they must win.

"We knew what was at stake. Spain played good football but the teams were level and we had a huge chance in the end to win it, but these things happen," Flick told reporters.

"Things come to you when you start winning. Maybe it is the spark we need."

Leroy Sane missed a golden opportunity to give Germany the victory but Flick said he was satisfied with his team's performance.

"The team fought hard and I am very satisfied with their mentality. These are the things we want and we know that we did take the first step," he said. "We want to have the conditions against Costa Rica to reach the knockout phase."

Germany were teetering on the brink of elimination in the group stage for the second World Cup in a row but their draw, combined with Japan's surprise loss to Costa Rica, now moves the Germans into positive territory.

"Costa Rica showed good mentality to come back from a 7-0 loss to Spain [and beat Japan]," Flick said. "Football is like that. Sometimes it's not those with the most chances that win. We experienced that against Japan."

Germany are on one point with Costa Rica and Japan on three. Spain, who next play the Japanese, are on four.

Flick said he would not rush to focus on Costa Rica, knowing that his players needing to process Sunday's game first.