Germany 2-1 Algeria: Five talking points

Germany recorded theirfirst win over Algeria at the third attempt, prevailing 2-1, with all 3 goals coming in extra time.A few thoughts from the match, in no particular order.

#1 Algeria start well, then wilt

Full credit to Algeria for their spirit and determination, and their supporters cannot have asked for a better fight. However, their dropping performance levels across the 90 minutes probably cost them the match here.

It’s been a recurrent theme for Algeria during the World Cup – a high-intensity start, then flagging in the 2nd half. Of the last 9 World Cup goals they’ve conceded, 8 were in the second half. They gave it everything they had, but really should have done better against a surprisingly average German side.

The Africans had better chances in the first half, but failed to convert any of them. Against superior individuals, it was crucial that Algeria make their best period of the match count. The Germans had fitness issues of their own, but are more accustomed to playing a high-tempo game over the 90 minutes.

The Algerian players retreated in the second half and began playing a more defensive game, probably to minimize running in the intense heat. Once it went to extra time, Algeria were never going to win from open play.

#2 Both sides fail to use the ball

Throughout the game, Germany had more possession but did precious little with it. Their midfield passing was often exasperatingly slow and ponderous, and they seemed unable to break down a stubborn Algerian defence, wasting the few chances they got. Barring the well-marked Thomas Muller, the XI as a whole seemed to have forgotten how to finish.

Algeria played a more direct, counter-attacking game: they won the ball in midfield and swarmed forward with pace, often getting 4 vs 4 or even 4 vs 3 situations at the back.

But they were over-dependent on Islam Slimani for finishing, and couldn’t get the end product.

#3 Brilliant goalkeeping

Goalkeepers have been the standout performers during this World Cup, and for the first time since Oliver Kahn, it’s possible to think of a shot-stopper winning the Golden Ball.

Even so, it’s hard to recall another game where the best performers for either side were the men between the sticks. Both Manuel Neuer and Rais M’Bolhi played starring roles, putting in an excellent shift and driving their teams from the back.

If Neuer was proactive, M’Bohli was reactive. Neuer repeatedly swept up when the Algerians broke through Germany’s high-line defence. He made 19 clearances outside the box, 11 in the first half alone – a staggeringly high figure. M’Bohli for his part made a series of brilliant saves, keeping the vaunted German attackers at bay throughout – the highlight being a fine double save from Mario Gotze in the 40th minute.

However, their prominence is slightly disturbing in a tactical sense – something is obviously not right if the last lines of defence are being tested so often.

#4 Germany\'s performance - Cause for concern

For a side that’s among the perennial World Cup favourites, Germany were alarmingly ordinary. Barring the energetic Andre Schurrle, they lacked any thrust or directness. The stereotypical German team is composed of eleven battering rams who never back down. By those standards, this side is physically (and perhaps mentally) mediocre.

In defence, the absence of Mats Hummels created a mini-crisis. Per Mertesacker lacks pace and Jerome Boateng isn’t dependable enough. Consequently, Joachim Low’s high backline was frequently breached, each time threatening a counter-attack.

Benedikt Howedes is perhaps the weakest link in this side: he isn’t a left-back at all, and it shows every time. At least Philip Lahm’s return to right-back solved the leadership problem in defence, but created a fresh one in the centre.

When they did get the ball, they passed it around for too long. The pace and potency needed to win these games was absent till Schurrle’s peach of a goal. This side has too many ballerinas and too few enforcers.

#5 What next?

Algeria have recorded their best-ever international performance. The positives are numerous: the 4-2 defeat of former semi-finalists South Korea, keeping Germany at bay for 90 minutes, and demonstrating the ability to cope with some of the most well-organized and physical sides on the planet.

They are the last African side to be eliminated from the competition, and while they rarely threatened an upset tonight, they can look back on this campaign with pride.

Germany will take a more sober view of things. They tend to be low-key against scrappy, battling teams, but this performance was genuinely mediocre. It took over one and a half hours to find the net against a tiring Algeria, and their mistakes at the back will be punished by clinical sides like France.

More worrying was their lack of directness. This World Cup will be won by the fastest side, and currently, that’s definitely not Die Mannschaft.