Thomas Muller cancelled out an early effort from Rodrigo as Germany came from behind to draw 1-1 with Spain in Friday night's international friendly in Dusseldorf.

Both teams had chances to win it in the second period after a brilliant opening 45 minutes, but the spoils were shared as the two nations continued their preparations for the 2018 World Cup.

Manuel Neuer's absence means that Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen started between the sticks for the home side, while Bayern Munich pair Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels were at centre-back.

Muller, Julian Draxler and Mesut Ozil were tasked with supporting lone forward Timo Werner, who was looking to add to the seven international goals that he had managed in 10 caps.

As for Spain, head coach Julen Lopetegui also selected a strong XI with perhaps the only surprise coming at centre-forward as Valencia's Rodrigo was given the nod.

Rodrigo did not need long to make an impact, however, with the 27-year-old sending Spain ahead in the sixth minute when he ran onto a wonderful pass from Andres Iniesta before lifting the ball into the far corner of the net.

Germany's first half-chance of the night arrived in the 10th minute when Jonas Hector met a high ball on the edge of the Spain box, but the full-back's volley swerved wide.

Spain had another opportunity in the 18th minute when Isco broke down the right before picking out David Silva, but the Manchester City attacker's touch was just too strong, which allowed Ter Stegen to collect.

Werner came close to levelling in the 24th minute when he raced into the Spain box before looking to pick out the bottom corner, but the in-demand RB Leipzig striker saw his effort drift just wide.

Spain continued to look the most likely to add to the scoring as the first period approached its latter stages, although Germany were threatening when they managed to release Werner in the final third of the field.

The home side levelled the scores in the 35th minute when Muller collected a smart pass from Sami Khedira before expertly placing the ball out of the reach of the diving David de Gea.

Germany came close to taking the lead early in the second period when Draxler sent one towards the top corner, but De Gea was on hand to make a terrific save.

Both managers made alterations in the period that followed, but the pattern of the match did not change as both teams continued to have positive moments in the final third of the field.

Ter Stegen managed to keep out a close-range Isco effort in the 56th minute before De Gea made an even better save to deny Ilkay Gundogan from distance down the other end.

Hummels then hit the crossbar with a header from a Toni Kroos free kick as the home side continued to look dangerous.

Spain were also causing problems, however, and Silva just turned a Marco Asensio cross wide of the post in the 68th minute during an end-to-end period of the match.

Diego Costa was the next Spain player to be presented with a chance 15 minutes from time following a mistake from Hector, but the Atletico Madrid forward saw his effort blocked by Boateng.

Half-chances continued to arrive in the latter stages, but neither team could find a winner in Dusseldorf.

GERMANY (4-2-3-1): Ter Stegen; Kimmich, Hummels, Boateng, Hector; Khedira (Gundogan 53'), Kroos; Draxler (Sane 68'), Muller (Goretzka 81'), Ozil; Werner (Gomez 84')

SPAIN (4-3-3): De Gea; Carvajal, Pique (Nacho 51'), Ramos, Alba; Thiago (Rodri 82'), Koke, Iniesta (Saul 46'); Silva (Vazquez 71'), Rodrigo (Costa 66'), Isco (Asensio 59')