Group G winners Germany take on Group H’s runners-up Algeria in today’s second Round of 16 match.
Where to watch –
The game kicks off at 4 PM EST/1 PM PST, and this is where the game can be watched in the USA –
English language: ESPN and WatchESPN
Spanish language: Univision, Univision Deportes Network and Univision online
Portuguese language: ESPN Deportes
Referee –
Sandro Ricci (Brazil)
Starting lineups –
Germany: Neuer; Mustafi, Mertesacker, Boateng, Höwedes; Lahm, Schweinsteiger; Özil, Kroos, Götze; Müller.
Algeria: Mbolhi, Ghoulam, Belkalem, Halliche (c), Lacen, Feghouli, Slimani, Soudani, Taider, Mandi, Mostefa
Germany –
The Germans have put on a brilliant display of free-flowing attacking football in the group stages, and have a handful of goals to show for their efforts. They come into today’s game high on confidence, and as the favorites to go through to the last 8. They will have to make do without Lukas Podolski though, as the Arsenal man is forced to sit this one out through injury.
Algeria –
They would just be glad to have reached this far in the tournament after they finished as runners up behind Belgium in Group H. With the odds heavily stacked against them, they would be hoping and praying that they can cause a major upset today.
Statistics –
Surprisingly enough, there is not much to separate the two teams when it comes to pure numbers. Germany only just manage to edge out Algeria when it comes to chances created per game (8 chances compared to Algeria’s 7) and shot accuracy (Germany’s 55% to Algeria’s 50%). Algeria have scored 6 goals so far, just one shy of Germany’s 7.
As for the back-line, Germany have let in 2 goals so far, exactly half the number of goals conceded by Algeria.
Players to watch –
Striker Thomas Muller is a potent threat for the Germans up front. His 4 goals so far has put him in the reckoning for winning the Golden Boot for the second time running, and his wonder goal against USA in their final group game will give him ample confidence to further add to his goal tally.
As for Algeria, Islam Slimani is their vital outlet. He scored a goal apiece in the first and second group games, and will be hoping that he can score again tonight.
Prediction –
Germany are favorites to progress to the quarter-finals, and I fully expect them to do just that without breaking much of a sweat. I do not see Algeria causing such a big upset.
Germany 3-0 Algeria
Have some interesting insights to share? Do you see Algeria shocking the Germans? Do tell us below.
