Three-time World Cup winners Germany have never failed to reach the last eight when they have participated in the tournament and can do so once more if they beat Algeria on Monday evening.

Joachim Low's team advanced to the last 16 by coming top of Group G on seven points and will be heavily fancied to overcome surprise side Algeria, who reached the knockout stages for the first time in their history by finishing second behind Belgium in Group H.

Some have said that Monday's meeting in Porto Alegre is a grudge match for Algeria after Germany's suspect 1-0 win over Austria in 1982 ensured that they could not progress in Spain.

Low, however, doesn't feel that Germany's current generation of players should be brought into the debate.

After starting in Germany's final group match against USA, Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski will be missing from tomorrow's game because of a thigh injury.

He is expected to be replaced in the side by Mario Gotze, with Thomas Muller and Mesut Ozil also in attack.

Algeria are ready to welcome back Madjid Bougherra in the heart of defence after he sat out against Russia to avoid being suspended for the first knockout game.

The two nations have met twice previously, with Algeria winning both encounters. Whoever triumphs will take on the victor of the France-Nigeria tie, also on Monday, in the quarter-finals.

Recent form

Germany: WDWWDD

Algeria: DWLWWW

Possible starting lineups

Germany: Neuer; Boateng, Mertesacker, Hummels, Howedes; Lahm, Schweinsteiger, Kroos; Ozil, Muller, Gotze

Algeria: Mbolhi; Mandi, Bougherra, Halliche, Mesbah; Medjani, Bentaleb; Feghouli, Brahimi, Djabou; Slimani

Sports Mole says: 3-0

Written by
Pascal Lemesre

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