Day 19 - Germany v Algeria

Pre-Match Thoughts
The media in the UK at least are trying to build this up as some huge "grudge" match based on the infamous events of 1982 (look it up, if you want). I'm not so sure. For one thing, most of the lads playing today weren't even born then and you'd hope the Algerians especially are pro enough to remain focused on the job at hand, rather than settling scores from 32 years ago.

They'll need all the focus they can muster in their first ever World Cup knockout game, as the Germans are in their element now. I see them letting Algeria burn their energy away and hit them on the break. The Algerian boys will need to grab any half chance that comes their way - score one and anything can happen. But I've gone with 3-0 to Germany, with maybe the last two coming late on.

First Half
The bulk of the entertainment so far has come from how totally inept the Germans have been. Bad passes, huge lapses of concentration, goalkeeper looking shaky at points. Only the linesman's flag (correctly) prevents them being one nil, that and some bad finishing.

Germany can surely only improve, which will be bad news for the Albanians, who may rue missing chances.

Second Half
They're not ruing them yet, as extra time hits us once again (and I wanted an early night...). Germany have had the better chances, but their finishing has largely been duff. Algeria might have done better hitting on the break, as space was there.

For a nil-nil, this has been an exciting game. Surely there must be goals to come as legs begin to tire?

Extra Time
The deadlock was broken surprisingly early, with Germany taking the lead. Algeria managed to keep fighting though, and it needed the odd desperate tackle to keep the score as it was. Eventually, fatigue played a role and Oezil managed to complete possibly the most convoluted road to goal you'll see all year.

But, just then, when you thought it was safe to go to bed, Algeria broke and smashed a goal in, with only a minute left. Drama of the highest order, but it finished there. Major kudos to Algeria.

Result
2-1 to Germany, who will play France in the next round. Tasty!

Random Song About a Car
Black Metallic by Catherine Wheel.