To the surprise of few, Germany advanced past Algeria in the Round of 16 at the World Cup on Monday in Porto Alegre, Brazil. But not before getting an almighty scare from the big underdog Algeria in a game that went to extra time.
Algeria's tactic of lobbing long balls seemed to flummox the German defense, which looked slow compared to the fleet Algerians. Islam Slimani had several good chances to score and only the wide-ranging keeping of Manuel Neuer kept him from doing so.
Though Germany reasserted itself defensively in the second half, it too could not find the net, as the top scorer Thomas Müller was stymied several times by the acrobatic saves of Algeria keeper Rais M'Bolhi.
Regulation ended at 0-0, but Germany finally made the breakthrough it had been threatening just after extra time started as the substitute Andre Schürrle scored on an assist by Müller.
In the 120th minute, Germany took advantage of Algeria's increasingly desperate attacks by adding a second goal by Mesut Ozil.
Just seconds later, Algeria found the net through Abdelmoumene Djabou. And though time was short, Slimani had one last header to tie it saved by Neuer.
Germany will be relieved to escape with the victory that sends it to a quarterfinal against France on Friday, while the Algerians will hold their heads high after a noble effort in defeat.
Keeper Manuel Neuer got a hand on an Algerian shot that seemed destined for the net but was sent wide.
2': Goal Germany!
Christophe Simon/Agence France-Presse — Getty ImagesAndre Schürrle (9) beat Algeria's Rais Mbohli early in extra time to give Germany a 1-0 lead.
It's a reversal as Muller provides the assist and Schurrle the goal! Muller showed his speed on a sideline run and provided a perfect cross. Schurrle, also rushing forward, got a half-step ahead of his man and made no mistake on the finish.
Heartbreak for Algeria! But we'll play the full half hour, so it's not over
120': Goal, 2-0, Germany
Now that is very hard on Algeria. Pressing forward, they exposed themselves at the back, leading to a German counter. One shot was cleared away, but it went right to Ozil, who had a clinical finish.
GOALS
- 92' André Schürrle
- 119' Mesut Özil
- 121'Abdelmoumene Djabou
| STATS | Germany | Algeria |
|---|---|---|
| Shots (on goal) | 28 (19) | 10 (6) |
| Fouls | 11 | 20 |
| Corner Kicks | 10 | 4 |
| Offsides | 4 | 4 |
| Possession | 67% | 33% |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 1 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Saves | 3 | 10 |
WHAT'S AT STAKE
A quarterfinal berth against France, who beat Nigeria earlier this afternoon.
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