Germany coach Joachim Low has warned that it will not be easy in the knockout round of the World Cup when they meet Algeria’s national team.
So far Germany had no trouble at the World Cup in Brazil, and managed to successfully pass by the group stage. But teams like Spain, Italy, England and Portugal have left the competition from the first phase of the competition.
“Personally, I cannot remember a group stage in which so many of the favourites were knocked out,” Low told a press conference.
“But tournaments are marathons, not a 100-metre sprint. Many nations in the past have won their first three games, and then lost their fourth.
“We’ve seen it all before. A team’s got to be able to raise their game all the time. If you can manage that, then that’s a masterstroke.
“If anybody thinks or believes – and I think this is a feeling among the general public – that Algeria are easy opponents and that we can already start thinking of the next round, then they’re making a huge mistake.
“We must remain focused and on our toes because any complacency will be punished.
“I took a look at Algeria yesterday for an hour and I know we’re up against a very compact side who run a lot and are aggressive.
“I’ve rarely seen a team defend so vehemently, but still attack with purpose. Their whole country is euphoric, so we’re up against a strong opponents.” concluded the German tactician.