Pre-Game Germany vs Algeria

Algeria has been one of the two surprise entries into the Last 16 of the World Cup and the novelty will soon wear off as they face a fierce German side. The only thing they have for them going into this game is the fact that they have been waiting for a chance to face the German side for 32 years who snatched their golden opportunity to serve a mutually beneficial purpose between them and the Austrians. 

More on that here. http://thefootballmind.com/blogs/can-algeria-have-their-vengeance

The German side started their campaign brilliantly but their fire was soon put off in their next two games as they failed to win convincingly enough. This fixture will be a very good one considering the Algerians’ animosity against Germany. This may look like a cake-walk of a match for Germany but Algeria will not make it any easy for them.

Players to look out for:

Joachim Loew’s side is full of talents who can score at any point of time. A few players to look out for would be the hatrick man, Thomas Mueller who will challenge the Algerian defense. Players like Mario Goetze and Mesut Ozil will be crucial as they look to provide with assists and maybe even score goals to put them one step closer to the coveted title. Captain Phillip Lahm paired with the likes of Boateng and Hummels will stop the Algerian attack from penetrating. While players like Slimani, Brahimi, Feghoili and Djabou having had  successful campaign will hope to test the German defense.

Teams head-to-head:

The two teams have played twice against each other and surprisingly the North African side has been victorious on both those occasions.

Probable line-ups:

Germany (4-3-3): Neuer; Boateng, Hummels, Mertesacker, Höwedes; Kroos, Lahm, Schweinsteiger; Özil, Müller, Götze.

Algeria (4-2-3-1): M'Bohli; Mesbah, Halliche, Belkalem, Mandl; Bentaleb, Medjani;Djabou, Brahimi, Feghouli; Slimani.

Prediction:

Germany are the favorites to win the tie but nothing can be said decisively as Algeria will be a completely new side as they will play not just with their skills but with their hearts as this match is more personal to them.

Final Score Prediction: Algeria 2 – 3 Germany.