Neuer is very good, but not a patch on the Algerian keeper this evening. He was inspired, as were his defenders! Algeria were brilliant this evening down to a man, all over the pitch, and are unlucky not to be going on.
A fine effort from the Algerians but they ultimately paid for not putting one of those first half chances away and ran out of steam (and belief) in extra time. A tough ask against such an experienced and streetwise team. The German shape was good and, as you'd expect, they got stronger as the game wore on.
Good to see Madjid Bougherra getting on towards the end.
Relatively unimpressive from the Germans though - no team in this tournament has yet truly showed as a likely winner, which is pretty unusual.
Germany should have had it wrapped up by the end of normal time, no doubt that Algeria were game but from the hour-mark their legs went and the Germans took over the game.
Algeria suffered again from the perennial curse of the lesser teams, that being their reluctance to get bodies into the box to score goals.
We have seen it time and again in this tournament where teams like Algeria (or Nigeria, Japan, Korea....) get into great attacking positions and then have one attacker against four defenders in the box.
If you want to score goals you have to get people in the box, its that simple - you can have the best approach play in the world but given that 90% of goals are scored inside the box then you are not going to score if you don't get people in and around the area.
Compare the Algerian approach to the way the Germans were getting 2-3 blokes in the box to get on the end of crosses and in the end it paid off.
Their number 4 was the guy who was totally hopeless for us against you guys at the Valley.
Yet has performed very well for his country.
Heard about him in commentary they said he got an injury when he first came to you, then gave away a penalty on his debut, then struggled, but you signed him on a permanent deal before the world cup
When England went out I took 4-1 on Germany who are always consistent to give me an interest. I should have departed last night, but the France game could be a classic. Overall this is the best World Cup that I have ever seen with so many emerging nations playing really well.
Comments
Just when I thought the Algerian keeper was looking invincible. He has been excellent. Bloody Germans won't let this go now.
Oooooh, should have scored. Lucky Germans.
Algeria have been brilliant - so much zip and pace. Heads held high regardless of the outcome
Good to see Madjid Bougherra getting on towards the end.
Relatively unimpressive from the Germans though - no team in this tournament has yet truly showed as a likely winner, which is pretty unusual.
Algeria suffered again from the perennial curse of the lesser teams, that being their reluctance to get bodies into the box to score goals.
We have seen it time and again in this tournament where teams like Algeria (or Nigeria, Japan, Korea....) get into great attacking positions and then have one attacker against four defenders in the box.
If you want to score goals you have to get people in the box, its that simple - you can have the best approach play in the world but given that 90% of goals are scored inside the box then you are not going to score if you don't get people in and around the area.
Compare the Algerian approach to the way the Germans were getting 2-3 blokes in the box to get on the end of crosses and in the end it paid off.
Yet has performed very well for his country.
Those imperialist Germans, yet again using their might to impose their will upon a helpless African nation.