2014
FIFA World Cup: Germany survives Algeria in extra time, 2-1
It didn't go exactly as
anticipated, but in the end, the expected winner came out on top.
Heading
into the match, it looked like Algeria would sit back and pack it in, then try
to beat Germany on the counterattack. Well, Algeria did indeed have success on
the counterattack, but it certainly wasn't as a result of sitting back and
simply absorbing pressure. Algeria took it to Germany in the first half, using
their pace and taking advantage of Germany's high defensive line to get in
behind the defense and create dangerous opportunities in Germany's defensive
third.
In
fact, the African side had a goal called back in the 17th minute for offside –
it was the correct call, though. Algeria continued to push forward, but
couldn't beat Manuel Neuer, who constantly raced out of his own penalty area to
challenge Algerian attackers or clear the ball away after a throughball.
The
second half was more as anticipated, with Germany doing a better job of
controlling possession and not allowing Algeria to get free on counterattacks.
The game changed a bit when Philipp Lahm was shifted to right back and Semi
Khedira moved to midfield. Germany looked better in attack, but it took some
time for the European side to get on the same page in midfield. Algeria was
getting some opportunities, and the game became a little more wide-open.
Germany
had several chances in the final minutes, but Rais M'Bolhi continued to come up
big for Algeria.
We went
to 30 minutes of extra time – and then Germany was finally able to break
through.
The
first goal came only two minutes into the extra time, off a beautiful finish
from Andre Schurrle, who slotted a Thomas Muller cross past M'Bolhi. Mesut Ozil
seemingly iced the game in the 120th minute, when he buried a shot from inside
the penalty area after M'Bolhi saved Schurrle's initial attempt. Abdelmoumene
Djabou brought one back for Algeria in the 121st minute, but it wasn't enough.
It
wasn't easy, but Germany is through to face France in quarterfinal.
0 comments:
Post a Comment