Germany vs Algeria: World Cup 2014 match preview

A look ahead to tonight’s clash at Porto Alegre

Joachim Loew, head coach of Germany gestures during the German national team training at Estadio Beira-Rio on June 29, 2014 in Porto Alegre, Brazil. (Martin Rose | Getty Images)

Germany and Algeria are squaring off for the first time since the 1982 World Cup in Spain where the Desert Warriors came just one step away from qualifying to the second round for the first time ever (until now). However, with West Germany needing either a one-or-two goal win to send both them and Austria through, both teams sat back and took the 1-0 result that later became known as the Disgrace of Gijon. However, the Algerians support that there is no malice in this match and that no one is seeking retribution.

Germany manager Joachim Low is expected to feature Bayern Munich’s Mario Gotze back into the starting line-up while Arsenal’s Lukas Podolski has been ruled out due to a thigh injury. Midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger started his first match against USA last week and is now expected to take over from Real Madrid’s Sami Khedira, although there are injury concerns over the midfield pair, while defender Jerome Boateng has recovered from a knee injury.

Algeria are fortunate enough to face no injuries nor suspensions and so manager Vahid Halilhodzic is expected to feature the same side that played Russia. This means that Sporting striker Islam Slimani will start up front with Yacine Brahimi behind him and Sofiane Feghouli as well as Abdelmoumene Djabou on his right and left respectively.

KICK-OFF: Monday, 9pm

PAST TWO MEETINGS:

West Germany 1 (Rummenigge) Algeria 2 (Madjer, Belloumi), World Cup, June 1982

Algeria 2 (Khennane, Oudjani) West Germany 0, International Friendly, January 1964

STATS:

Algeria became the first ever African side to beat a European team in the World Cup when the Desert Warriors beat Germany back in 1982.

Germany have failed to reach the World Cup quarter-finals only once in 17 appearances, the Germans fell short to Switzerland in the 1938 group stage.

A goal by Miroslav Klose tonight will mark his 16 in the World Cup and will make him the competition’s all-time top scorer, as he will surpass Brazilian legend Ronaldo by one goal.

Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller has scored nine goals in an equal amount of World Cup matches and has been involved in 13 out of the last 23 Germany goals in the competition.

This is the first time ever Algeria qualify from the World Cup group stage.

One more goal from striker Islam Slimani will make him the team’s all-time top scorer in the World Cup with three goals, as he currently shares the top spot with Salah Assad who was a member of the impressive 1982 squad.

ODDS:

Germany to win: 1.3

Algeria to win: 11.5

Draw: 5.9

TV: Live on ITV at 9pm