WC 2014 Second Round Germany vs. Algeria

[St Pauli]

I'm worried about this one, given Algeria seem good and given the History they will be very up for it.

Also not sure how the whole Ramadan thing will turn out. The Algerians may have less energy etc. but with Ozil choosing not to fast Allah will definitely be siding with them.

Very hard to call.

[Ouroboros]

Do we know for sure whether any of the Algerians are actually fasting?

The coach refused to answer questions about it, but I understand professional sporters are often given special dispensation. I think when Hassim Amla was over here a couple of years ago he didn't observe it.

I expect Algeria to make a decent game of this, but Germany still to win in normal time.

[PieEater]

Given it's in the cold south of Porto Alegre, I can 't see past a comfortable German win, Algeria's best chance would have been playing somewhere a lot hotter.

[Royalclapper]

Germany surely have far too much quality for the Algerians - there is previous of course, can't see past a win for Fritz in this game though.

Not sure all the Algerians look like well rounded observers of any particular religion let alone respecting the Ramadan thing, some are covered in tattoos and look they wouldn't think twice about cracking open a couple of cold one's should they win later even if it's before sunset.

[Maguire]

Germany will destroy them

[tulip]

Given it's in the cold south of Porto Alegre, I can 't see past a comfortable German win, Algeria's best chance would have been playing somewhere a lot hotter.

Does it work like that though? If you are used to playing in hot temperatures does it mean you find it harder to play in cooler ones? Obviously more of a problem the other way round.

[Ouroboros]

Germany will destroy them

I think you'll find that Algeria are seriously underrated.

[Ian Royal]

Given it's in the cold south of Porto Alegre, I can 't see past a comfortable German win, Algeria's best chance would have been playing somewhere a lot hotter.

Does it work like that though? If you are used to playing in hot temperatures does it mean you find it harder to play in cooler ones? Obviously more of a problem the other way round.

A hot climate would equalise some of the qualitative imbalance between them. Cooler climate means that imbalance remains as pronounced as ever.

[Silver Fox]

Germany will destroy them

I think you'll find that Algeria are seriously underrated.

I think you'll find that they are playing Germany, who are much better than them

[Ouroboros]

I know, it was a lame in-joke.

[Kitsondinho]

The biggest problem Germany have is that I'm supporting them as England are out........

[Ian Royal]

The biggest problem Germany have is that I'm supporting them as England are out........

+1.

Pleased to see Schweinsteiger starting again. Khedira is obviously not quite right after his injury. Although given their lack of full back options I'd be inclined to give him another go and drop Lahm back into full back - even though he's been excellent in midfield. Probably for Howedes.

[Ian Royal]

Germany are Shirley going to get punished on the break at least once tonight. Dear, oh dear. Great pace from Algeria and that's certainly something the German back line lacks.

[Whore Jackie]

Cracking first twenty minutes from Algeria

[Ian Royal]

Germany look shell shocked and unsure how to respond.

[mathematically_safe]

Germany look shell shocked and unsure how to respond.

so they'll scrape a draw and win the pen shootout as oxf*rd usual...

[Ian Royal]

Germany look shell shocked and unsure how to respond.

so they'll scrape a draw and win the pen shootout as oxf*rd usual...

Starting to react. Playing their football a little further forward and more dangerously. But playing into traffic a bit too much still.

[tulip]

Germany look shell shocked and unsure how to respond.

so they'll scrape a draw and win the pen shootout as oxf*rd usual...

Yep, same old, same old.

[Whore Jackie]

Yep, I still can't see past a Germany win, but that was a terrifically entertaining half and kudos to Algeria. Not quite as sweet as the Dutch going out, but seeing the Germans fail to reach the QFs for the first time in a lifetime would be rather lovely.

[Ian Royal]

Klose to save the day and break the record.

Pleasepleasepleaseplease.