Game # 53 - France vs Nigeria

For a good proportion of the first half, Nigeria were the dominant team by a long shot but often lacked punch in the last third. It was also a very congested game because of the French high pressing strategy that often meant all 20 infielders were compressed into the central third of the pitch. The result was that even though Nigeria may have often started moves, they gave possession away time and again. The French attack was sadly lacking so that, even though they often got possession back from Nigeria quite quickly, they were also unable to penetrate the Nigerian defence often. When they did, the Nigerian goalkeeper Enyeama was in great form. Consequently, the first half finished 0-0 (though Nigeria did have a goal ruled out for a very close offside).

The second half saw a change as France slowly asserted itself, particularly after Griezmann came on in the 62nd minute. Despite two world-class saves from Enyeama, France eventually broke though, sadly as a consequence of a rare Enyeama error as Pogba headed home a feebly cleared cross. Nigeria really had no effective response and the own goal from Yobo merely sealed Nigeria's own fate. Result was a 2-0 victory to France.

Sad to see Nigeria go because they can be a very exciting team at times but they were second best in front of goal today

Game # 54 - Germany vs Algeria

Another 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.