Schurrle, Ozil takes Germany into France showdown at World Cup

June 30, 2014

RIO DE JANEIRO, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Both Germany and France fought off tenacious challenge to advance to the World Cup quarterfinals after beating Algeria 2-1 and Nigeria 2-0 respectively on Monday.

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

After a tense and flying pace regular time, the two sides tied at 0-0. No more than 90 seconds into the extra time, Schurrle beat the Algerian defenders to the near post using a clever back heel flick to put the ball into 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 finished 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 on 5 July to fight for a semifinal 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.

The result continues the remarkable record of Les Bleus' coach Didier Deschamps in football's premier event. The former France captain is unbeaten in 10 World Cup matches as both a player and manager.