Germany scraped through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup despite being given a real scare by Algeria on a thrilling night of football in Porto Alegre.
Andre Schurrle and Mesut Ozil scored as Germany won 2-1 after extra-time, but for much of the night, it seemed Joachim Low’s men were heading for what would have been the shock defeat of the tournament so far.
Algeria spotted Germany’s vulnerable high-line defence from the first whistle and took advantage with a series of long-ball counter-attacks.
Islam Slimani was a constant threat for the African nation, who looked like World Cup contenders, rather than knockout stage debutants.
Rais M’Bolhi had a superb game in the Algeria goal, saving from Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Schurrle in normal time.
But his efforts to avenge the 1982 ‘Disgrace of Gijon’ – when West Germany and Austria conspired to eliminate Algeria from the World Cup – were ultimately ended by Ozil, who swept home in the second period of extra-time.
Abdelmoumene Djabou scored in the 120th minute, but Algeria could not find another as a massively relieved Germany sealed a quarter-final meeting with France in the Maracana.
MAN OF THE MATCH – Rais M’Bolhi
The Algeria keeper once had a trial with Manchester United and he showed the sort of talent that would have big clubs taking notice to thwart Germany until extra-time.
Time and again he repelled efforts on goal, with one save from Philip Lahm arguably the best we’ve seen in a tournament rich in quality goalkeeping.
Lahm believed he had scored as his shot arced towards the top corner only for M’Bohli to intervene with the very tips of his fingers. Another fine stop was equal to a bullet header from Thomas Muller. He didn’t deserve to be on the losing side.
MATCH VERDICT
Huge credit must go to the Algerians who put up an incredible fight. Few would have backed them to reach the last 16, let alone push Germany all the way into an extra 30 minutes.
With the Algerians clearly vulnerable in the air it seemed strange to see Miroslav Klose remain on the bench. But Joachim Low did see sub Andre Schurrle score and must favour him over Mesut Ozil to face France next.