World Cup 2014 11am Bulletin: Germany blip a required evil

Germany were forced to go the distance to shrug off Algeria

Germany backers shouldn't be alarmed by their disappointing round-of-16 display against Algeria...

The volume of goals has decreased since this engrossing World Cup entered its knockout phase, but the quality of the entertainment hasn't subsided even slightly, as Germany and Algeria's gripping goalless draw - which morphed into a 2-1 Germany win after extra time - demonstrated.

The only onlookers who didn't enjoy the spectacle were Germany backers, with their disjointed performance considered to hurt their 5.59/2-rated chances of lifting the trophy for the fourth time.

However, all that matters is that they got through despite delivering their least accomplished display of the competition to date against an Algeria side who threatened plenty. Manuel Neuer's sweeper-keeper bursts of his line every five minutes or so may prove a lasting memory of this World Cup.

Indeed, the trends suggest that if you are going to win the tournament, you almost certainly need to go the distance at least once, as five of the last six champions encountered extra time on their path to greatness.

Spain's bonus 30 minutes came in the 2010 final, Italy needed more than 90 in the 2006 semis and final, France required extra time in the 1998 round-of-16 and penalties in the quarters, Brazil succeeded in a shootout in 1994's final and Germany spot-kicked their way past England in the 1990 semis.

It should also provide encouragement to both Germany and France, who struck twice in the closing 12 minutes to overcome Nigeria, that eventual winners rarely breeze through the round-of-16.

Spain saw off Portugal 1-0 in 2010, Italy sunk Australia 1-0 in 2006 with an iffy injury-time penalty, Brazil conquered Belgium 2-0 in 2002, Paraguay took France to extra time in 1998 and Brazil nudged past USA 1-0 in 1994.

Germany are 5.59/2 third favourites in the World Cup winner market, with France fifth in line for the throne at 9.617/2.

The identity of the two remaining quarter-finalists will be confirmed this evening as Argentina face Switzerland and Belgium oppose USA. Paul Robinson expects Switzerland to prove trickier customers than the market forecasts, while Evan Bartlett is backing Belgium to do the business.