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2014 Brazil World Cup: Germany in Hard Fought Victory Over Algeria After Extra Time

Germany Vrs Algeria
Germany Vrs Algeria

An enthralling 120 minutes of action ended in a 2-1 win for the Europeans in one of the better games so far of this year’s world cup.

Extra time goals from Andre Schurrle and Mezut Ozil gave Germany a comfortable 2-1 win over the North African side. Algeria’s goal, scored by Abdelmoumene Djabou in the final minute of extra time, was a tad too late and served as nothing more than a consolation as the final African side was knocked out from the world cup.

Algeria had an axe to grind against the Germans who got them eliminated in 1982, and the second Euro-African clash of the day kicked off at a blistering pace which was maintained throughout the initial 90 minutes of the tie.

Despite being heavy favourites it was Die Mannschaft who found themselves on the back-foot early in the game as Algeria took the game onto their more illustrious opponents.

Manuel Neuer was called upon twice to clear behind his defence who were playing an uncomfortably high line, the first ball found Slimani down the left flank, and he marginally got around Neuer but the keeper got back well to block the shot.

The second happened in the 29th minute, as Neuer again had to rush off his line to get the ball of the feet of Feghouli, who had dispossessed Per Mertesacker for the chance.

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2014 Brazil World Cup: Africa’s Hope Lies with Super Eagles & Desert Foxes

Nigeria-Super eagles
Nigeria’s Super Eagles

It’s all or nothing for the remaining African sides in the FIFA world cup tonight when they take to the field for their Round of 16 ties against European opposition.

Nigeria take on Les Bleus of France hoping their superb run so far does not get halted against one of the competition’s most in-form sides. Kickoff is at 16:00 GMT at the Estadio Nacionale in Brasilia.

Algeria’s Desert Foxes have no less a formidable task, billed to face Ghana’s Group G winners Germany at the Beira-Rio stadium in Porto Alegre, kickoff is at 20:00 GMT.

Nigeria has been the best African side at the competition so far, getting through their group with four points after a win over Bosnia-Herzegovina and a draw with Iran. Their only setback was a hard fought 3-2 loss to Argentina, a game in which they pegged back the South American side twice.

Ahmed Musa has been their most exciting player, with the CSKA Moscow winger scoring twice against Argentina, but this Nigerian side are much more than the sum of its parts. Stephen Keshi has built a well-oiled machine which won the 2013 African Cup of Nations and continues to defy the odds.

Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi pulls his side’s strings from deep in midfield, whilst on the flanks Odemwingie and Musa work hard to supply their bull of a centre forward, Emmanuel Emenike.

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