Here is a recap of Day 19 at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
FRANCE 2 NIGERIA 0
France scored two second half goals to dispatch Nigeria 2-0 and advance to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2006. Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama put forth another strong performance in net for the Super Eagles, but a rare gaffe by the goalkeeper on a corner kick in the 79th minute proved fatal for the Africans’ World Cup hopes. In an attempt to clear the danger, Enyeama’s clearance deflected perfectly for Paul Pogba who easily nodded the ball into an open goal. France added a second in stoppage time when Nigerian defender Joseph Yobo deflected an Antoine Griezmann attempt into the back of the Nigerian net.
GERMANY 2 ALGERIA 1
Algeria gave Germany their best shot, but in the end, the Germans were too much for the Desert Foxes, with the Europeans winning 2-1 in extra time. Both sides had their opportunities in the opening 90 minutes, but the finishing touch was lacking throughout. Germany broke the deadlock just two minutes into stoppage time when André Schürrle’s clever flick from close range beat Raïs M'Bolhi. The Algerians pushed for a n equalizer throughout both extra time periods, but the Germans doubled their lead when Mesut Özil scored in the 120th minute. Algeria pulled one back in the waning moments on Abdelmoumene Djabou’s goal but it was too little too late for the Desert Foxes.
The round of 16 continues on Tuesday with the United States hoping to qualify for the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 2002 when they take on Belgium at 1:00 p.m. PT. Before the U.S. take the field, Argentina will look to continue their push for the World Cup title when they face Switzerland at 9:00 a.m. PT.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.
