AFP
PORTO ALEGRE, JULY 1
ANDRE Schuerrle and Mesut Ozil struck in extra time to earn Germany a 2-1 win over Algeria in a pulsating last 16 clash in Porto Alegre on Monday and a quarter-final date with France.
Chelsea forward Schuerrle broke the deadlock in the 92nd minute, with Arsenal`s Ozil adding a second in the 120th minute.
Abdelmoumene Djabou struck in the first minute of stoppage time to give Algeria a consolation goal.
This was Algeria`s first ever appearance in the knockout stages and they covered themelves with glory, taking the game to the three-time champions.
Sporting Lisbon striker Islam Slimani had a goal disallowed for offside in the first half while Germany`s best early chance came as the break beckoned, when only the lightning reflexes of Algeria keeper Rais Mbolhi denied first Toni Kroos` and then Mario Goetze from the rebound.
Germany coach Joachim Loew introduced Schuerrle for Goetze after the interval and he almost made an immediate impact, his 48th minute drive only narrowly deflected.
Mbolhi then made a superb flying fingertip save to deny Phillip Lahm.
In an enthralling evening`s entertainment at this southern port city Mbolhi once again did the north African`s proud, punching away Thomas Mueller`s header with 10 minutes of regulation time remaining.
With the sides deadlocked, extra time was required, and Schuerrle finally was the man to find a way past Mbolhi, flicking the ball with the inside of his heel at close range after Mueller`s cross from the left in the 92nd minute.
Ozil then struck before Djabou`s contribution.
Friday`s quarter-final at Rio de Janeiro`s Maracana is a repeat of the 1986 semi-final won by the then West-Germany.
Despite its victory over Algeria, it’s never going to be a relax moment for Germany as it will now take on another world heavyweights France in the quarter-final.
Two European powerhouses are now pitted against each other in the quarter-finals and well there are no favourites in this clash as both teams are stupendous in their own ways. Both the teams are now all set for an intense high octane clash after securing victories in their last 16 knock-out stage on Monday.
French heroics were witnessed as they overcame a resolute Nigeria 2-0 after both goals came in the last 11 minutes that saw Didier Deschamp`s side through. On the other hand
Germany took two hours of grueling session to overcome Algeria 2-1.
France have continued their free flowing football under Deschamps and have looked like a force who mean business here in Brazil.
The likes of Karim Benzema, Oliver Giroud, Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba have risen to the occasion for the 1998 world champions. France are strong in midfield and their defence too have stood up to the task so far.
The Germans are expected to win big every match but even Loew acknowledged the fact that in World Cups no games are a stroll in the park and rightly so. With the climate in Brazil making life difficult for European teams, the survival of the fittest between the two powerhouses will see them get through in the blockbuster Friday show.
There will be a promise in attack with galore of chances as key decisions in small areas with tactical brilliance will be the main showcase between them. For fans and neutrals alike this show shouldn`t be missed at any cost!
