FIFA World Cup Round of 16 Results: Germany vs. Algeria
Germany are one of the favourites to win the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil after a strong performance in 2010 losing in the semi-finals to eventual champions Spain. The then very young team have since matured and gained valuable experience to hopefully help them go further in the competition this time around. They are now safely through to the quarterfinals after winning against Algeria in their round of 16 match.
Germany 2-1 Algeria (Extra time)
(Schurrle 92', Ozil 120'+) (Djabou 120'+)
The cup had been unpredictable so far and Germany's first half performance seemed to be leading towards another giant upset. It was Algeria who had most of the chances while Germany showed none of the youthful energy they are known for nor any signs of the team that gave Portugal a 4-0 drubbing in their opening match.
Manuel Neuer almost did a Casillas when he left a gaping net in an attempt to clear a ball but was beaten to it by Algeria's Islam Slimani. Neuer was lucky to manage to slide into the ball's path and save himself from a potentially embarrassing situation.
Algeria had more opportunities to attack and had a headed goal by Slimani ruled out for being offside. The half ended with yet another Algerian attempt.
Some locker room words from Joachim Loew seemed to have done the trick as Germany emerged from the tunnel completely energized and Muller and Lahm were soon hitting the target only to be denied by the Algerian keeper.
Germany managed to keep possession for the rest f the second half but failed to break through which pushed the match into extra time.
Germany took the game by the scruff of the neck right at the start of extra time through a perfectly flicked back heel goal by Andre Schurrle in the 92nd minute. Germany had momentum on their side and avoided a penalty shootout through another goal by Mesut Ozil in injury time.
Algeria were able to pull one back past full time but Ozil's goal had done enough and no time was left for the Algerians to find an equaliser.
Germany will be trekking off to Rio de Janeiro for a semi-final showdown against France in the iconic circular Maracana Stadium.
