Top Stories

SBI World Cup Man of the Match: André Schürrle

AndreSchurrleGermany1-Algeria2014 (Getty)

By TIM FONTENAULT

André Schürrle entered the World Cup Round of 16 match between Germany and Algeria at halftime, with coach Joachim Löw desperately trying whatever he could to give Germany the upper hand.

Algeria gave Germany everything they had, nearly finding the winning goal several times in the second half before pushing the match to extra time. Shortly after extra time began, Schürrle broke their spirits.

Thomas Müller played the ball across the face of goal to Schürrle, who somehow poked the ball into the back of the net with a back-heel flick. The goal gave Germany a 1-0 lead in the 92nd minute.

Germany ended up needing the second goal they got from Mesut Özil in the 120th minute, as Algeria would go on to score one minute later, but Schürrle’s goal gave Germany the advantage it desperately needed. It also earned Schürrle the SBI World Cup Man of the Match award.

Schürrle wins the award over Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and Algeria goalkeeper Rais M’Bolhi.

––

Do you think Schürrle was the Man of the Match? What did you think of his performance? Did anyone else stand out to you?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. first thing. He had the ball at his feet in the box, an Algerian ran to him and he, unlike every other keeper I have seen, put a fake on the guy and dribbled to his left and made a pass. Every other keeper would have picked up the ball..

    Reply
    • Ehh, Nick Rimando might have dribbled around him too…played some defense in college and has shown to be good with the ball at his feet (especially at the last GC).

      But you’re right, not many would.

      Reply
  2. Neuer is the best and his instincts for the game are incredible. He is the reason that Germany may win it all despite an average back line….

    Reply
    • It wasn’t me, but I’ll bite. In general, I thin he’s a very good player, but Ozil has been poor in this WC as far as I’m concerned. He had a nice finish for what turned out to be the game winner, but that papered over what was a poor game for me. He didn’t impress me against the US either.

      Reply
      • Thanks for responding. So then, I would assume you also think Bradley is playing good so far?

      • I’ll bite too and agree with Jake. Oezil, Kheidra & Kroos have not controlled the German midfield optimally because in this WC they are too slow by a half-step which then also results in turn-overs. The young and very fast Reus who got hurt in the last friendly is also a major loss for Deutschland. Even if they get Hummels back and Neuer is again “another defender”, they will be the underdog against France and so I wish them all the luck that they will need to get a Sieg!!.

      • Oddschecker have Germany favored over France. France are 4.6-1 and Germany are 1.5-1 to win. Per the bookies France has a 22% chance to win and Germany has a 67% chance to win.

        Odds are for winning in the regular time, 90 minutes.

  3. I think Rais M’Bolhi was THE MAN OF THE MATCH …. his performance was Outstanding but also Schürrle played well 🙂

    Reply

Leave a Comment