Germany, France strike late, set up World Cup showdown

Rio de Janeiro, July 1 :

Germany and France fought off tenacious challenges to advance to the World Cup quarter-finals after beating respectively Algeria 2-1 and Nigeria 2-0 Monday.

Two extra-time goals from Andre Schurrle and Mesut Ozil sent the three-time champions Germany through to their ninth successive World Cup quarter-finals in Porto Alegre, reports Xinhua.

After a tense and flying pace regular time, the two sides tied at 0-0. No more than 90 seconds into extra time, Schurrle beat the Algerian defenders to near the post using a clever back heel flick to put the ball in the net.

In the 120th minute, Ozil and Schurrle put together a few nice passes in the box, Schurrle’s first shot was blocked by Algerian goalkeeper Rais Mbolhi, but the rebound was sent into the top corner by Ozil.

The Algerian side, playing in their first Round-of-16 match ever, still didn’t give up. Substitute Abdelmoumene Djabou received a cross brilliantly in the final minute and found the back of the net, but it was too late for Les Fennecs.

Germany will now face France, who beat Nigeria 2-0 in an earlier game in Brasilia, at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro Saturday to fight for a semi-final berth.

The French side also scored very late en route to the victory.

A Paul Pogba header and Joseph Yobo own goal earned France the win.

The game looked headed for extra time before Pogba broke the deadlock in the 79th minute at the Mane Garrincha National Stadium. Nigeria’s Norwich City defender Yobo then unwittingly deflected in France’s second goal in injury time.

With the victory, Les Bleus’ coach Didier Deschamps keeps his remarkable record in football’s premier event. The former France captain is unbeaten in 10 World Cup matches, both as a player and manager.

(IANS)