Germany needed extra-time to get past an amazingly spirited Algeria side in a tremendous game in Manaus on Monday night.

Germany had been clear favourites, but after dominating the early possession they began to struggle and made little head way, unable to break the Algerians down.

As the 15 minute mark came and went, it was Algeria that were on top. Some fine counter-attacking football was catching the sluggish German back four out, the lively Manuel Neuer in the German goal keeping his team in it.

He was helpless on 17 minutes as a wonderful left-wing cross by Soudani picked out striker Islam Slamani who peeled off Boateng to connect with a diving header that went in off the post. To Germany’s relief, the goal was correctly ruled out for offside.

Moments later and Germany were being undone up their right side again, Algeria left-back Faouzi Ghoulam escaping the lackadaisical Ozil to find a shooting position, but his effort fizzed across goal.

The counter-attacks kept coming, Neuer again bailing his defence out when Metersacker played put his keeper in danger, the alert Neuer racing from his line to slide tackle the Algerian striker.

Germany did finally get a grip of the game and Algeria’s keeper was called in to action. Rais Mbolhi produced a stunning double save to deny Kroos and Goetze, and the teams went in level at the break.

After the break, Germany were much livelier. Lahm called Mbolhi in to action early on with a curling effort from the edge of the box, the Algeria keeper tipping it wide.

It continued to be an exciting end-to-end game and Mbolhi was the hero again with a stunning point-blank save to deny Muller’s header, palming the ball away for a corner.

Muller was the threat again as he latched on to Schweinsteiger’s ball and displayed wonderful control to bring the ball down, cut inside but then sliced his shot wide.

Back at the other end, Neuer was once again playing sweeper behind the back 4 as Feghouli ran on to a ball over the German defence but was beaten to it by the keeper.

Within minutes it was back to Neuer’s opposite number, Mbolhi denying Schweinsteiger’s header in the 89th minute.

The game would go to extra time and it took less than two minutes for the deadlock to finally be broken, Mbholi helpless to stop Schurrle’s improvised effort from close range from Muller’s left winger drag-back.

Muller went close to doubling the lead on a couple of occasions but still Algeria threatened on the break.

It was in the final minute of extra time that victory was finally assured, Mesut Ozil converting from a tight angle after Muller’s shot had been saved on the line.

Just as it looked as though it was the end of the excitement, Algeria went up the other
end and Djabou thumped one home at the back post from a right wing cross to make it 2-1.

Job done? Not quite.

Algeria still created another chance, Majid Boughera finding himself on the end of a long ball from the back but his header was saved by a relieved Neuer. Finally, the full time whistle sounded shortly after.

A fantastic effort by Algeria who impressed everyone with some tremendous play and fantastic commitment, but it is Germany who will meet France in the quarters.

Photo: Action Images

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