In the absence of Mats Hummels, Joachim Low should have played Sami Khedira alongside Bastian Schweinsteiger and Toni Kroos, dropping Philipp Lahm to right-back.
With a dangerously high backline, Algeria continuously exposed Germany by moving forward at pace and constructing rapid attacks from just two or three passes.
But Manuel Neuer was magnificent as a ‘sweeper’, sprinting out of his area several times to make tackles and foil the pacy Algerian attacks.
It is important to note here that the ’keeper’s starting position was a good 16-18 yards from goal, meaning a lack of pace in defence was never going to be an issue and attacking moves were blocked before it could even develop.
At the other end, Mario Gotze offered very little threat and was substituted at half-time with Andre Schurrle — possibly the defining moment of the match.
His direct style of play troubled the Algerian defenders, and the reward came in extra-time when he beautifully flicked a lay-on from Thomas Muller.
Sami Khedira’s introduction in the 70th minute, for Shkodran Mustafi, pushed Lahm to right-back and gave Germany a much-needed balance in defence and attack.
The skipper offered more width and solidity at the back, with Khedira ably protecting the back four.
Poor finishing Germany could have finished off Algeria much sooner, but for a lack of poor finishing and some inspired goalkeeping from Rais M'Bolhi.
Low got his tactical changes spot on, but will need to start quicker against France — easily a more imposing opposition than Algeria.
