Germany survives Algeria in extra time, to face France in quarterfinals

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Jun 27, 2014

PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil (AP) — Substitute Andre Schurrle and Mesut Ozil scored in extra time Monday to lead Germany over an aggressive Algeria 2-1 and into the World Cup quarterfinals. Thomas Muller provided a cross from the left flank that was slightly behind Schurrle. The Germany forward dragged his left leg and backheeled the ball into the far corner in the 92nd minute, leaving goalkeeper Rais M'bolhi with no chance.

Ozil added the second in the 120th, and substitute Abdelmoumene Djabou pulled one back in injury time for Algeria.

Three-time champion Germany, which has now advanced past the second round at nine consecutive World Cups, will next face 1998 winner France on Friday at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

With the temperature a chilly 14 degrees Celsius (57 degrees Fahrenheit) and a light rain falling at times, the pace was high at the Estadio Beira-Rio but the goals didn't come until the end. Ozil thought he had put the result out of reach when he pounded in a rebound after a shot from Schurrle was cleared off the line by defender Esseid Belkalem, but Djabou volleyed in a minute later to make the last seconds count.

Perhaps inspired by the "Disgrace of Gijon" at the 1982 World Cup, when West Germany and Austria supposedly conspired to oust Algeria in the group stage so both would advance, the northern African nation outmatched Germany's intensity for long stretches in an entertaining match.

Algeria was playing in the second round of the World Cup for the first time and dominated early on. A goal from Islam Slimani was waved off for offside in the 17th, one of many opportunities for the Algeria striker. At the start of the second half, Germany put Schurrle on for Mario Gotze in an attacking midfield role and came out better organized.

In the 55th, Germany captain Philipp Lahm unleashed a hard shot that an outstretched M'bolhi did well to push wide with his fingertips. Still, Algeria continued to produce dangerous counterattacks. In the 72nd, Neuer had to come out of his area to head away the danger with Slimani chasing.

In the 88th, Germany's inability to find the target turned theatrical for a moment when Mueller appeared to fall during a free kick.

Here's how the thrilling encounter unfolded:

Live Blog World Cup Round of 16: Germany vs. Algeria