Germany eventually edged past a rugged and well set up Algerian side to book their place in the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Chelsea’s Andre Schurrle was on the scoresheet for the German’s despite being a late introduction to the game in Porto Alegre. Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil rounded off the win despite a very poor performance.
The first half was expected to be a walkover for Germany, with many fans and pundits expecting the most one-sided knockout game so far. However, this was not the case as Algeria were rarely threatened in the first half and it could be argued they had the better chances to open the scoring.
The most notable of these chances fell to Islam Slimani after a ball that was slipped down the German right hand channel. Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer rushed out, as he so often does, and looked to have made a mess of the attempted tackle at first before getting back at Slimani well to block the cross-come-shot that would be heading toward an unguarded net.
Algeria’s dominance looked to have gotten what it deserved after fifteen minuted as Slimani was at the centre of it again. His header from Ghoulam’s stunning cross would hit the back of the net and send Algerian’s and many neutrals wild, before the lineman’s flag cut celebrations shot. Replays showed that the referee’s assistant got the decision spot on during a high-paced move.
Algeria would have to do some last ditch defending of their own after Kroos’ long range shot was well saved by Adi M’bolhi, but the second ball looked destined to be turned in by Mario Gotze. However, the goalkeeper recovered brilliantly to get up quickly and smother the former Dortmund star’s close range effort.
Chelsea’s Andre Schurrle was introduced at half-time and more Neuer antics well outside his own goal almost resulted in the winger getting in on the Algerian net following a clearance.
As expected from the beginning of the game, Germany started to take control, dominate and create the chances in the second half. However, Neuer was still needed to clear up long ball’s over the top that deceived the German defence as the goalkeeper acted more like a sweeper for the duration of the match.
Germany’s best chance in normal time would fall to Muller and then Schurrle but Adi M’bolhi was once again on guard to keep the underdogs in the contest.
There was a comical moment as Muller slipped while running up to take a freekick, adding to the entertainment of a gripping 90 minutes as normal time came to a close. Extra time required.
And, straight away, Germany led. Two minutes into the extra 30 and Chelsea star Andre Schurrle struck. Muller provided great wing work and found a low cross which reached Schurrle who finished the move off with a cheeky flick at the near post. 1-0, at last, to the favourties.
And, it was all but over with a minute remaining in extra time as Mesut Ozil smashed home from a block on the line from Schurrle’s shot. The Arsenal man pounced on the loose ball the smash home despite the desperate Algerian’s scrambling on their goalline to save their World Cup.
They would get a consolation two minutes later as Djabou slid in at the back post to convert a cross from the right hand side but it was too late for the African side as they saw their World Cup adventure come to a close.
A very entertaining goalless 90 minutes would eventually see the power of Germany become too much for Algeria, while Chelsea fans will be pleased to see Andre Schurrle take his rare chance in the first team at this World Cup to grab a vital goal.
The win set up a tie with France in the quarter finals to be played on Friday July 4th in what will surely be one of the most anticipated matches so far at this World Cup.
