GERMANY 2-1 (ET) ALGERIA
It took about 30 more minutes then expected but a pair of extra time goals sent Germany through to the quarterfinals over a very game Algerian opponent.
Germany struggled for much of this game, stifled by an Algerian defence determined to keep them from scoring in this match. Limited in their own offensive chances, Algeria continuously looked to beat the German defence on long lobs over the top.
One of those created some early excitement. Manuel Neuer came yards outside of his own penalty area to try and clear a ball and ended up playing as a centre back against Islam Slimani. Fortunately for Germany, he was able to deflect the ball out for a corner kick. It would hardly be the last time in the game that Neuer played sweeper in the German defensive line.
Germany's troubles with Algeria's offensive speed continued to cause issues early on. Sofiane Feghouli snuck behind the defenders but his sharp angle shot angled just over the crossbar. Faouzi Ghoulam hooked a shot from inside the area just wide of the far post, moments after Islam Slimani's headed goal was waved off due to an offside.
It wasn't until the 41st minute that Germany managed a quality chance at goal. Toni Kroos shot from the midfield was destined for goal until Rais M'Bolhi directed it back out front. The rebound fell to Mario Gotze but M'Bolhi challenged and made the second save as well to preserve the 0-0 scoreline at halftime.
In an effort to get the offence going, Germany brought Andre Schurrle in at halftime. Schurrle nearly got Germany going immediately as he snuck off the wing in to the Algerian penalty area. His shot was partially blocked but nearly skipped in to the Algerian goal anyway. On the ensuing corner kick, Shkodran Mustafi was able to make contact with the ball but sent it square at M'Bolhi.
Germany continued to apply pressure as Philipp Lahm fired a quality strike from outside the area but M'Bolhi was able to dive and get enough of a hand on the ball to parry just wide of goal. Germany continued to be the better of the teams in the second half but Thomas Muller and Bastian Schweinsteiger both saw quality chances turned away again by M'Bolhi.
With a 0-0 draw after 90 minutes, Algeria had hopes to pull out a shock victory in the extra period but it was Germany that ended the deadlock almost right after the restart. Muller streaked down the wing and delivered a low cross in to the Algerian area. The top offensive player since entering the game, Schurrle managed to get a tricky reverse heel flick on the ball, deflecting it in to the far corner for the opening goal of the game.
Algeria nearly responded in the 102nd minute but Mehdi Mostefa fired a shot just wide of goal off a frantic corner kick. Germany weren't satisfied sitting back in defence though and as the clock ticked down, they picked up the insurance marker they sought through Mesut Ozil. Algeria abandoned their own end leading to an Ozil and Schurrle 2-on-1. Schurrle's shot was blocked off the line but the rebound fell to Ozil who made sure no one could stop his shot.
Algeria refused to quit and pulled one back in injury time of the extra frame but it was too little, too late as Germany escaped with the 2-1 victory.
Goals
Germany: Andre Schurrle (92'), Mesut Ozil (120')
Algeria: Abdelmoumene Djabou (120+1')
Discipline
Germany: Philipp Lahm (Yellow 107')
Algeria: Rafik Halliche (Yellow 42')
Man of the Match
Fans voted Rais M'Bolhi Man of the Match in a losing effort. Germany had 22 shots on goal in this match and yet were scoreless after 90 minutes. M'Bolhi wasn't culpable on either German goal and was the lone reason the game got to extra time at all. I also liked Andre Schurrle off the bench for Germany. Added some pace and finishing touch to the game that Germany weren't getting from Mario Gotze.
Key Moment
Wasn't officially the winning goal thanks to a late marker by Algeria but Andre Schurrle's goal to start extra time was the nail in the coffin so to speak for Algeria. Algeria had to hope for a reprieve from the German pressure after the break but instead found themselves down with limited time on the clock. Could never get sustained offensive pressure going until the end when the game was over.
What we learned from Germany
Not sure if this was a tactical problem for Germany or all about execution. Felt they were completely unprepared to handle the high Algerian pressure and their quick counter-attacks although that's all they've done so far this tournament. Scrambling frequently on defence and Mertesacker/Howedes continually burned by a lack of speed. Said last game and will say again, they need a striker on the field. Schurrle was a quality source of chances when he entered but terrible finishing on the whole from the rest of the team.
What we learned from Algeria
Felt they did exactly what they needed to in order to have a shot at winning in this game. Prevented Germany from getting quality shots off and constantly looked for the long ball against the German defence. Had limited success finishing as Germany were able to find ways to clear the ball from their own zone. Nothing to be ashamed of in this game. Held one of the best teams in the world to a draw for over 90 minutes.
Algeria's exit means Asia and Africa are officially done in this tournament. Won't be happy with the manner in which they won but Germany are through to the quarterfinals for the 16th(!) straight World Cup. They've also set up a France-Germany quarterfinal match that may end up being the most hyped match of the tournament, short of Brazil reaching the final.
