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MOTD: Germany 2-1 Algeria Match Report

By on July 1, 2014

The Germans edged past Algeria in a close fought encounter in Porto Alegre, where the European team needed extra time to progress to the next round against a proud Algerian side.

The first half began frantically and while Germany saw slightly more of the ball, Algeria were trying to use most of their possession with swift counter-attacks, yet they could not convert any of them when it counted most and where subsequently made to rue that in the end. The first talking point came 16 minutes into the first half when a fantastic cross by left-back Faouzi Ghoulam was met by Islam Slimani, who’s bullet header was put past eventual Man of the match Manuel Neuer. Yet the goal was ruled offside and Algeria’s hopes of a dream start diminished.

But Vahid Halilhodžić side continued to press and a goal looked almost inevitable; the Germans looked stunned by the counter-attacking capabilities the African side possessed and the swagger Joachim Loew’s side normally carry was nowhere to be seen. For the first time in the tournament the Germans did not seem to have an answer and this could be seen in their style of play. The first half continued to progress but no clear cut chances where made and the frustration between both sides began to grow culminating in defender Rafik Halliche picking up a yellow card near the end of the first half.

The second half began much as the first half had ended, fast paced but frustrating and still no-one could successfully convert any of the chances that were made. The trend continued for the rest of the half and no goals where scored. Algeria looked the side more likely to break the deadlock early in the second period, but after the hour mark the Germans began to impose themselves and they seemed to realize how big of a task this match would be. Half-time substitution Andre Schurrle gave the Germans something they had seem to lack prior to him coming on, but still the Germans attacked to no avail.

It took until extra time for someone to strike first blood, and something special was needed to beat Algeria goalkeeper Raïs M’Bohli. Chelsea-midfielder Andre Schurrle provided it, with a clever flick past M’bolhi assisted by German talisman Thomas Muller, putting the German’s one up. There was surely no way back for Algeria at that point?

The Algerians defended well and tried to garner a few chances from counter attacking, a tactic that had served them so well at the beginning of the match but the tired players made this a lot less successful then previously.

It was then the turn of the Germans and they took their chance once more; this time Mesut Ozil smashed the ball in the net from four yards to finally put the tie beyond doubt. It was a fine effort from the Algerians but the experience in tournaments seemed to have paid off for Germany in the end.

But Algeria could not leave without a goal. They managed to score a consolation goal deep into added time at the end of extra-time, with Djabou scoring an excellent goal from a fantastic cross. Yet there was no time for the Algerians to get another and the Loew’s side set themselves up for a fierce contest with old rivals France in the Quarterfinals.

About Callum Kenwright

Evertonian. Angler. Oasis. Spanish Football. Aspiring Football Journalist.