With so many big names already out of the tournament, Nigeria looked to upset France but couldn’t stop them for the full 90 minutes. Similarly, Germany and Algeria would go ever further goalless, sending the game into overtime, but with a second-minute goal, Germany would go through to the next stage.
France v Nigeria, 2-0
Many thought underdog Nigeria might be able to pull off one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history, and very well might have, fighting with several chances over 75 minutes of the game. Those last fiftenn minutes, France were on a mission, as they kept possession in Nigeria’s half, and would finally find the back of the net with only 10 minutes left.
As we reported, Nigeria seemed to have the advantage toward the beginning of the game, almost scoring within the first 6 minutes. They were able to hold off France for most of the game until a fatal corner kick at the 79th minute, and Paul Pogba was able to head it in. Another corner kick came in stoppage time for France, Joseph Yabo was able to flick it past the goalie.
Germany v Algeria, 2-1
In what many thought would have been a David-and-Goliath type of game, Algeria held the number 2 ranked team in the world goalless through 90 minutes, sending it in to overtime. As the Independent UK pointed out, as high ranked as they are, they are not impenetrable.
Even with that though, within the second minute of overtime, German star Thomas Müller would send a ball into the 6 yard box where André Schürrle tapped it in for a goal. In the last minute of overtime, Mesut Özil would find the back of the net through heavy traffic. Algeria would get a goal in stoppage time, but they would not have enough time to catch up.
Superpowers France and Germany will face off in the quarterfinals on the morning of Friday July 4.
July 1, final day of the Round of 16 with Lionel Messi and Argentina face Switzerland, and the game many have been waiting for, Team USA take on dark-horse favorites Belgium.
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