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World Cup Quote Hanger: 'Do you think that this is a circus band?'

July 01, 2014 11:49 IST
Madjid Bougherra of Algeria and Per Mertesacker of Germany are involved in an aerial challenge during their match on Monday

"The main thing is we won and we’re in the final eight and that’s what counts. What do you want from me? Do you think that this is a circus band? We fought to the end.”

Germany’s central defender Per Mertesacker said after his team scraped past plucky Algeria to make the quarters.

World Cup PHOTOS: Germany and France douse African hopes

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'If we play with this kind of heart, we can really succeed'

July 01, 2014 11:49 IST
Algeria's Sofiane Feghouli and Madjid Bougherra react after their 2014 World Cup round of 16 game against Germany on Monday

“We’ve acquired a lot of experience and this generation can achieve great things. Our objective is now to win the Nations Cup. If we play with this kind of heart, we can really succeed.”

Algeria captain Madjid Bougherra is confident that his teammates have the fire to achieve bigger things in international football.

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'It's not a stroll in the park in the World Cup'

July 01, 2014 11:49 IST
Head coach Joachim Loew of Germany looks on with his players in extra time on Monday

"It's not a stroll in the park in the World Cup. There are always some matches like this in a tournament where you have teams that fight hard, where the opponents are defending really tough and playing aggressively."

Germany coach Joachim Loew brushes aside criticism of his team after their unconvincing victory over Algeria.

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'I did not doubt his ability and he played a remarkable match'

July 01, 2014 11:49 IST
Paul Pogba of France celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal against Nigeria

"He showed his potential today, Maybe he played a bit more simply today and all the credit is due to him. I did not doubt his ability and he played a remarkable match. I hope he can do it on a regular basis now."

France coach Didier Deschamps is all praise for Paul Pogba, who scored France’s opening goal against Nigeria.

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