FIFA World Cup 2014: Germany and Algeria

Germany

Joachim Loew’s team is determined to win every single match in this tournament. This was obvious during their last group match against USA, where even a draw would win the group for Germany. The coach was so nervous, as if the team was losing a semi-final. And, of course, there could be no talk about a stalemate with the former Germany coach Juergen Klinsmann. Germany had already destroyed
Portugal and tied with Ghana by then. An interesting issue for the three-time World champions is Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals, which is very close to become a reality.

Semi-finalists of the last three World Cups have no intention to leave the tournament, and not by losing to Algeria in any case. Loew has surely watched Algeria’s group stage performance and knows how big a hurdle its defence can be to overcome. But there is no doubt about the German plan – switch at least six players into attacking mode, and Mueller will surely score.   

Matches played: 3

Goals scored - conceded: 7 - 2

Topscorer (s): Mueller (4)

Team marks: 7 + 5,5 + 4,5 = 17
Average mark: 5,83
Best players: Mueller (2,5)

Final place among 32: 6-7

Chances to win the World Cup: 13,93%

Algeria

When Algeria was close to take points away from Belgium it seemed to be because of a weak start of Belgium. The defence was solid enough to hold the 1-0 score, but it didn’t happen. The opinion about Algeria changed when the coach Halilhodzic decided to throw an attacking team in against South Korea. The four scored goals spiced with passion and emotions made them a candidate to join the Play-off participants. Russians were close to sink the North African ship, but the same passionate attitude helped Algeria equalize and defend the score successfully.

They have their loud fans and quick attackers to suggest the German team. However, the most important factor is going to be the experience from the first match against Belgium, where they didn’t manage to keep the net untouched, as well as the last match, where they did manage to keep it.  

Matches played: 3

Goals scored - conceded: 6 - 5

Topscorer (s): Slimani (2)  

Team marks: 2,5 + 4 + 3,5 = 10,0
Average mark: 3,34
Best players: Slimani, Rais (both – 1,5)

Final place among 32: 13

Chances to win the World Cup: 0,26%