Game # 54 - Germany vs Algeria
Jul. 1st, 2014 11:58 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
catalyst2Another second round game where the result was as expected but the pathway there was not as smooth as the scoreline suggests. The first half was very much Algeria's as they did most of the running and much of the attacking. On several occasions, it was only Neuer's anticipation and sprint speed over short distances that kept Algeria at bay. Mind you, he is known as one the new generation of keeper-sweepers so that is not too surprising. Even so, there were occasions where it really was a close call. However, Algeria rarely got behind him so the first half finished 0-0.
Clearly, Germany had copped a real talking-to over the half-time break because they came out transformed and re-energised. Germany really dominated possession (63%/37%) from this time on and came close on a number of occasions. As always, Algeria came back at them from about the 75th minute with Feghouli, Slimani and Soudani all having shorts (or crosses) stopped by Neuer. The second half finished 0-0 so it was on to extra time.
Germany really stepped up yet another gear and dominated extra time from beginning to end with Schurrle finally scoring with a delightfully flicked shot going past Mbolhi. Ozil added a second, just to make sure but Algeria still didn't give in and finally got a goal through Djabou in the dying seconds of extra time but it was too little too late.
The game finished 2-1 to Germany and put them through to a quarter final against France.
Clearly, Germany had copped a real talking-to over the half-time break because they came out transformed and re-energised. Germany really dominated possession (63%/37%) from this time on and came close on a number of occasions. As always, Algeria came back at them from about the 75th minute with Feghouli, Slimani and Soudani all having shorts (or crosses) stopped by Neuer. The second half finished 0-0 so it was on to extra time.
Germany really stepped up yet another gear and dominated extra time from beginning to end with Schurrle finally scoring with a delightfully flicked shot going past Mbolhi. Ozil added a second, just to make sure but Algeria still didn't give in and finally got a goal through Djabou in the dying seconds of extra time but it was too little too late.
The game finished 2-1 to Germany and put them through to a quarter final against France.
