#GermanyVsAlgeria Report

MATCH REPORT:

R16 Eliminator Germany does it again.

Germany 2-1 after Extra time (0-0)

  

Germany have done it again. Only once have they failed to make the quarter finals, and that was as long ago as 1938...before the Second World War.

Since then, Germany's worst results at the world cup have been to end amongst the last 8, the last 4, the last 3, Runners up and Winners (3 times). See previous blog for details (link at end of article). It is a record of consistency which is unequalled by anyone else in the World, including 5 times Winners Brazil, and 4 times Winners Italy.

And yet, the fact that Germany virtually arrive at a World Cup with a "guaranteed" place in the semis does not guarantee that History will continue to smile upon them, nor does it ensure that Germany will necessarily play well.

In the first half, Germany did not play well. They were uninspiring, and uncreative on attack and never looked as if their strikers were capable of troubling the Algerian goalie.

The first half story of Germany's defence is no better. Algerian forwards launched several speedy attacks which caught the German backs off guard. This left the German goalkeeper having to come WAY out of his goal area on several occasions to intercept promising advances.

Of course a goalie playing the dual role of defender & goalie is unconventional and unwise, it must be said that the timing and execution, not to mention the results of Neuer's excursions into midfield were nothing short of brilliant. It almost wallpapered over the cause of his use of such high risk tactics. 

The German defenders were often too slow, and were caught on the hop by several offensive moves by fast Algerian forwards. To boot, the German defence regularly lost its shape, which left gaping holes which Algeria were unable to exploit - not for the lack of trying, mind you.

At half time, Germany looked anything but a side worthy of their illustrious record. On the other hand, Algeria performed well, and certainly above the expectations of many. It was perhaps thanks to Neuer's brilliance that Germany were at least still in the World Cup at half time...despite that the team seemed clueless as to what purpose their continued presence at the World Cup was intended to serve.

After half time, the proper German side turned up like a bride late for her wedding. They were decisive, organised and they attacked with pace. On defence, they were efficient if not ruthless. They kept the defensive pattern intact throughout,  leaving Neuer to forge a more traditional, even conservative, role for himself. Shurrle who replaced an unimpressive Gotze in the 46th minute, seemed to make all the difference.

Germany had several chances to score, and quite frankly, looked like the only side capable of doing so for most of the second half as Algeria's attack was blunted by the German defenders time and time again.

Germany were unable to convert any of their many chances and after 94 minutes, the match went into extra time. Despite this, one felt as though History had finally relented and that it was at last preparing to grant itself a repetition.

Schurrle scored off a cross in the second minute of extra time, which permitted Germany the freedom to launch several sorties directed at the Algerian gaols. In this regard, Germany were unlucky not to hit the net at least once more than they did, although M'Bohlhi, the Algerian goalie deserves a lot of credit for the saves he made. Undeniably this kept Algeria in the match and for this he was deservedly named the  man of the match.

Ozil scored for Germany in the last minute of ordinary time in the second half and that was almost that. But Algeria replied soon afterwards with a brilliant strike from Djabou which thumped past Neuer (a man who concedes few goals) and into the back of the German net. For a few seconds thereafter, the spectre of penalties was raised. But any such Algerian hopes of equalising and sending the game into penalties were dashed by the lack of time and then by the final whistle which confirmed that Germany's proud record would endure despite that their first half performance never deserved  it.  Germany's record of only one non-quarter final appearance in world cups was safe.

They now face France in the quarters. Not sure that history favours the France against Germany unless France can call upon its allies, the US & England. But I digress....

My only regret, apart from the awful first half, is the continued absence of midfielder +Julian Draxler from Lowe's  first choice  line-up.

See also in this Blog: Was the Mayor of Toronto Flying Air France 447 or what? Link below  & Match preview Germany v Algeria..did I get it right?  And 3rd link is a Joke: The pilots with guide dogs & white sticks...

Shocking Air France 447 BEA Whitewash #AF447 #AirFrance447 & #MH370 lessons

No this is serious. Everyone on board AF447 should be alive today. See why they aren't. Then you can read the real joke about the pilots with guide dog.... link below

http://siegfriedwalther.blogspot.com/2014/06/germany-v-algeria-preview.html

http://siegfriedwalther.blogspot.com/2014/06/pilots-white-sticks-guide-dogs-jokes.html

 

No this is really a joke!

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