Germany vs Algeria Preview
There are two ways to look at this Germany vs Algeria tie in Porto Alegre on Monday. The football expert would conclude that is undoubtedly the most uneven contest of this stage of the World Cup, and the Germans should book their place in the Quarter finals with relative ease and set up that much awaited quarter final with France, who take on Nigeria in the early kickoff on Monday.
It was 32 years back in 1982 when Germany and Austria conspired to play out a 1-0 result in what went down in the history books as the ‘Disgrace of Gijon’. There was little attacking endeavor shown by either team, barely a tackle or two, but both European teams ensured they got the result that sealed their progress into the next round at the expense of an Algerian side who were unlucky to be denied by a shameful moment in the annals of world football history.
There will be more than a spot in the quarter finals at stake when these two teams take to the field on Monday. Algeria shook the foundations of the footballing world when they beat West Germany 2-1 at the 1982 World Cup, and there would be nothing else on their mind but sweet revenge. History dictates that there is a lot more at stake than mere tournament progression. Algeria have never made it this far in the World Cup, and they could well make it even sweeter with a victory over a team that denied them a much deserved place in 1982. 32 years is too long to wait for revenge, but it would be worth it if the North Africans can upset a German side who have looked far from the naturally fluid attacking outfit they have been for the last few years.
Algeria have played some good football to reach the Round of 16. They nearly surprised Belgium in ther opening match, thrashed South Korea and got the job done against Russia. So while the Germans may be hot favorites on paper, translating the obvious into action at the highest level is a different task altogether. Joachim Loew’s team have looked far from their sparkling best, yet made light work of a so-called “Group of Death”. The Germans always come good when it counts, and although, they haven’t tasted any success since Olivier Bierhoff climbed off the bench to clinch the Euro 96 final with a Golden goal, the Germans have always been a force to reckon with come the business end of the World Cup.
Mario Goetze could replace Lukas Podolski in the side after Podolski failed to impress against USA, while Bastian Schweinsteiger will continue in his midfield role as he looks to come back to full sharpness after nursing a knee injury.
Facts by Opta stats, compiled from Goal.com
Germany: Neuer; Boateng, Hummels, Mertesacker, Höwedes; Kroos, Lahm, Schweinsteiger; Özil, Müller, Götze
Algeria: M’Bohli; Mesbah, Halliche, Belkalem, Mandl; Bentaleb, Medjani;Djabou, Brahimi, Feghouli; Slimani
Algeria will be a threat on the counter attack, especially against a German side who are playing with four center backs. But Germany’s technical superiority should come through in the end. Germany 3-1 for me!
Communication is the heartbeat of any successful soccer team. On the field, amidst the flurry…
In the annals of football history, few names evoke as much reverence and admiration as…
Are you new to the world of football betting and would you like to take…
If you are into sports betting, staying ahead of the game is crucial. One way…
I have prepared some interesting and fun football facts for you, perfect for those who love the thrill of discovery almost as much as the excitement found at https://www.staycasino.com/. Like the unpredictable nature of casino games, these facts will surprise and intrigue you with unexpected twists and turns in the world of football. Here is the complete list of 40 interesting and fun facts about football. What are the most interesting facts about football? Football was invented in Italy, Messi is the highest-paid athlete, and the fastest a player has been sent off is 0 seconds! Stay ahead with these facts and impress with your knowledge. This collection contains many football facts that will surprise you. Tell your friends new facts they don't know. Interesting Facts About Football Every football fan should know these facts. You can also surprise your children with what they don't know! When was football invented? Modern football originated from the Florentine game of Calcio Fiorentino, played in the 14th …
Real Sociedad returns to the midst of Europe's elite clubs in the UEFA Champions League…