Germany Fends Off Algeria

 2-1 

Germany and Algeria played the second round of 16 match today for a place in the quarter-final against France.  Nigeria were dispatched earlier in the day and Algeria would be the only African team left if they could knock out the European giants.

Algeria had a much better start to the game and had the German defense scrambling to cover their counter-attacks.  Germany did not look sound in the back, but did enough to stop the Algerians.  The German offense eventually settled into the match late in the first-half, but could not break through.

André Shürrle was introduced after half-time in place of Mario Götze who started the match.  Shürrle was more effective offensively and more willing to help defend.  Germany as a whole played better in second-half with Shürrle on the field and his influence was crucial later in the game.

Algeria's offense started to look less and less threatening as Germany started to build momentum.  Neither scored in regulation though, and extra-time was required for the third time in six matches.  The first two extra-time matches did not produce a winning goal and were settled by penalties.

However Germany were quick to score in extra-time when Müller linked up with Shürrle.  Müller rolled into the path of Shürrle inside the box that was played just a bit behind the substitute.  Shürrle was able to drag his back leg and get his back heel on the ball to beat the keeper (92').

Mesut Özil added another goal near the end of extra-time to reinforce Germany's victory.  Algeria could not afford to keep numbers in defense and Shürrle pushed forward with Özil to get behind that weakened defense.  First Shürrle fired a shot on goal that was blocked.  The rebound fell to Özil who smashed the shot in from close range (119').

That second goal proved to be huge for Germany as Algeria surprisingly had a late goal in them.  With their last effort Algeria pushed forward and a cross to the far post was played right into the path of Abdelmoumene Djabou who scored (120 +1').  There simply wasn't enough time to even try to get a second goal and Algeria will follow Nigeria out of the World Cup.

Germany will face France in the quarter-finals and will need to sort out some defensive problems.  Mertesacker is getting beaten offen by faster players and keeper Neuer was forced off his line time and time again to snuff out attacks.  It is likely the Hummels will return to the line up for the next match after missing today's game which will be an improvement.  But will Klose be involved is another question that remains uncertain.