Germany pushed to the limit
Here are three thoughts from Germany's hard-fought 2-1 win over Algeria in the World Cup round of 16.
1. History drives Algeria on, but not far enough
History didn't repeat itself, but it did have a few echoes. After a somewhat harsh elimination for an admirable Algeria side, Germany will meet France in a heavyweight quarterfinal. The game did not involve all the controversy of 1982, but it was still difficult not to feel some sympathy for the North African side. They pushed Germany to the edge, and almost out of the competition.
Had Jogi Low's formation been founded on any goalkeeper other than the onrushing Manuel Neuer, this could have got rather concerning for the Germans rather early. Indeed there could even have been a repeat of Algeria's 2-1 victory in 1982. As it was, Andre Schurrle ensured there was a repeat of some of the old German fortune from that period. The Chelsea forward clearly intended his deliciously inventive backheel, but there was an element of luck in how it ended up hitting the net for the opening goal rather than going pretty much anywhere else.
On the whole, though, this game created more doubt about how far Germany can go in this World Cup. The one saving grace is that it is something of a common theme for pre-tournament favourites to not look like potential champions. Algeria, meanwhile, will look back on this match with some regret. The famous 2-1 was reversed.
Written by Unknown
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