Mueller strikes for Germany, Algeria, US advance

Algeria's players embrace as they celebrate after their team's victory in the Group H football match between Algeria and Russia at The Baixada Arena in Curitiba on June 26. AFP Photo

Germany striker Thomas Mueller joined Neymar and Lionel Messi on top of the World Cup goalscoring charts on June 26 as Algeria stunned Russia to reach the second round for the first time.

Mueller's long-range strike settled a 1-0 victory over the United States which saw the Germans claim first place in Group G ahead of the Americans, who squeezed into the last 16 on goal difference ahead of Portugal.

It was Mueller's fourth goal of the tournament and the ninth World Cup goal of his career after he finished top-scorer in the 2010 finals.

"We were clearly the dominant team on the pitch," Mueller said after a victory which sets up a second round meeting with Algeria. "The Americans were strong, especially at the start and it was hard to play against them as they stood so deep, but all in all, we played well.

"We have big plans, with our team spirit and a bit of luck we can go far." Despite the defeat, United States players and coaching staff celebrated at their achievement in progressing from a difficult group in which they had been expected to struggle.

"It's huge getting out of this group," said United States' coach Jurgen Klinsmann. "Everybody said 'You have no chance' but we took our chance and now we move on and we really want to prove a point," added Klinsmann, whose side now play Belgium in the next round.

While Germany and the United States celebrated, there was disappointment for world footballer of the year Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portugal captain scored his first goal of the tournament in a 2-1 win over Ghana but it was not enough to prevent his side exiting in the first round.

Portugal had needed a big win over Ghana, but Ronaldo's normally unerring eye for goal deserted him. The Real...

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