Germany has looked like one of the best teams in the world during the World Cup and they'll take on Algeria today in the knockout round. The match is scheduled for a 4:00 p.m. (EST) start time and it will be televised nationally on ESPN. Currently the odds for the matchup have Germany listed as a heavy favorite to win.
Algeria is playing in the knockout round for the first time in the country's history, but of course they drew the mighty Germans to play. Germany has looked at times like the best team on the planet in this World Cup and they believe they will impose their will tonight. Germany has been getting goals and shutting opposing offenses down in the group stages, claiming the top spot in Group G, which also saw the United States qualify.
Had Germany not blasted its way to a 4-0 win over Portugal in the opening match of the group stage, the Americans might not have made the knockout stage. But the Germans, who have gotten nice, consistent play from Thomas Muller, just kept pushing forward in their matches and totaled seven points.
Algeria found a way to get in, drawing with Russia in their final group stage match to punch their tickets to the knockout stage. They have scored six goals in the three group stage matches, which is just one fewer than the Germans have tallied and two more than Belgium, who won their group, have scored.
The Algerian side is hoping that history can repeat itself here. Algeria beat the then-tournament favorite West Germany in their first group stage match in 1982, 2-1 after qualifying to participate in their first World Cup. Yet, Algeria didn't make the knockout stages of that tournament as East Germany and Austria qualified for the Round of 16. Algeria could be looking to exact some revenge from that situation in this one.
It would be an absolute stunner in this matchup for Algeria to win. They played well in the group stages but South Korea, Belgium and Russia aren't as good as Germany, so who knows how good the measuring stick is for this Algerian side. We like Germany here in this matchup.
Free Pick: Germany 3, Algeria 1
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