TEMPO.CO, Duesseldorf - World champions Germany drew 1-1 with Spain in a high tempo friendly on Friday as they launched their preparations for a title defense in Russia while their opponents had striker Diego Costa making his long-awaited comeback as a substitute.
Germany's Thomas Mueller scored with a long-range strike in the 35th minute to cancel out Rodrigo Moreno's early opener.
The hosts were made to work hard against the Spaniards, who are unbeaten under coach Julen Lopetegui but still managed to stretch their own unbeaten run to 22 matches, one shy of the German record of 23 dating back to 1978-80.
They can now match it when they take on five-times world champions Brazil on Tuesday when Spain, the 2010 World Cup winners, host Argentina in Madrid.
Read: Argentina to be Messi`s Team at the World Cup
"I think it was a very good test for both teams because both teams combine well when they have possession," said Germany coach Joachim Loew.
"Spain and us tried to increase the pressure, attack early, press early. It was a high-intensity game and a good test to gain a lot of insight. We still have some room for improvement."
The visitors, with captain Sergio Ramos earning his 150th cap, went ahead when Rodrigo timed his run perfectly to pick up a superb through ball from Andres Iniesta and beat keeper Marc-AndreterStegen in the sixth minute.
The Germans, who at times struggled with their opponents' quick passing, managed to draw level with an unstoppable 20-meter strike from Mueller 10 minutes before the break.
The Germans have been drawn in Group F of the tournament, along with Mexico, South Korea and Sweden. Spain are in Group B and will play Iran, Morocco and Portugal.
REUTERS
