Germany need extra time

Joachim Löw had said before the game that anybody who thought Algeria could be underestimated "is wildly mistaken," but the German coach might have hoped his words would prove a little less prophetic.

Algeria forced Germany to extra time in the match, also dominating large phases of the first half. Islam Slimani, seeking his third goal in his last three World Cup games, had a diving header disallowed for offside mid-way through the first half. Other German scares in the first half included one of Manuel Neuer's trademark forays out of his penalty area; the "sweeper keeper" nearly rued his decision, losing out to Islam Slimani in the race to the ball. However, Neuer was able to shepherd Slimani away from the danger zone.

Germany's best early chance, in a first half with very little attacking rhythm, was a one-on-one for Mario Götze, smothered by the onrushing Rais M'Bohli in the Algerian net. Götze was the German player to make way at half time as the Nationalelf sought an answer to Algeria's intensive pressing and pacey counterattacks.

Ultimately the most effective answer was simple attrition: Germany took control of the game later in the second half as Algeria appeared to tire. Bastian Schweinsteiger twice went close with his head and Thomas Müller poked wide from inside the box in some of the most notable scenes prior to the end of regulation time.

Early start to extra time

After 90 goalless minutes, it took scarcely 90 seconds to break the deadlock after extra time started. Thomas Müller, impressive except in front of goal on the night, wriggled free down the left and delivered a low cross to the near post. Sub Andre Schürrle had filled Müller's spot in the center and met the ball with a cheeky backheel past M'Bohli and into the Algerian net.

The lead gave Germany a second wind, and Löw's lads subsequently produced a flurry of opportunities to put the match to bed and avert the penalty shootout. Yet the finishing touch was lacking until the last few minutes of the 120.

Even when Germany made it two, it seemed like neither Schürrle nor Mesut Özil really wanted to put the ball in the net. The pair politely exchanged square passes in the area before Schürrle finally fired a shot that was cleared off the goal line. Özil was on hand to rifle the rebound high into the net.

Algeria, playing their first-ever game in the World Cup knockout phase, did not lie down. Straight after the restart, substitute Abdelmoumene Djabou caught Germany cold, beating the otherwise exceptional Neuer with just seconds left on the clock. There was no time, however, to launch a serious push for an equalizer and penalty shootout, meaning the final score stood at 2-1 Germany.

Löw's side now face France, who beat Nigeria in Monday's earlier game, in the quarter-finals in Rio de Janeiro on Friday evening.