Germany vs Algeria World Cup 2014: Philipp Lahm blasts 'unpleasant' Algeria ahead of last-16 tie

The experienced international is confident that Germany can match Algeria's level of aggression ahead of their last-16 tie

Philipp Lahm speaks ahead of Germany's clash with Algeria

(Getty images)

Germany midfielder Philipp Lahm has blasted Algeria as an "unpleasant" team to play ahead of their World Cup knockout round clash on Monday.

In a game that certainly needs no more animosity drawn to it, the 30-year-old was in no doubt that Germany will have to be prepared to face a physical Algeria side.

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Monday's game in Porto Alegre marks the first clash between the two sides since the infamous 1982 World Cup match - labelled as the 'Disgrace of Gijon' - which saw Germany beat Austria 1-0, allowing both sides to advance to the next round at the expense of Algeria.

The two sides meet again 32 years later with a place in the quarter-finals at stake, but Algeria is one of the teams that Bayern Munich midfielder Lahm would have rather avoided.

“They prefer to foul than lose the ball,” Lahm said at the pre-match press conference.

“It is an unpleasant team to play. But we have to unleash a performance, play aggressively, defend aggressively and show how classy we can be when we play.”

"We analysed them, we saw videos. It's a team that wants to show that they deserve to be here in the round of 16. They don't want to lose a singe duel, and [they will] dispute every ball.

Threat: Algeria progressed ahead of Russia and South Korea in Group H

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"You have to win, or go home. Algeria will go for the win, they want to show why they've got to here.

Lahm, who has 109 caps for his country, may be wary of complacency given that Germany are sure-fire favourites to progress but remained confident that the team will live up to expectations.

He added: "We want to unleash our performance, defend well, attack aggressively."

"We have a series of players adapted to more positions. Football changed in the last few years, you need quick, skilled players; you need versatility.

"We have to look at every possibility, there's always an opponent that can surprise you, and beat you."