Mertesacker laughs off Germany criticism

Per Mertesacker faced the media after Germany's extra time 2-1 win over Algeria yesterday and laughed off the fact that his country's side were in poor form heading into the next round of the tournament.

Algeria impressed throughout the game and proved that their qualification into the second round was well deserved.

Arsenal defender Mertesacker told reporters after the game: "Do you want a successful World Cup or do you want that we get eliminated with beautiful football once again.

"I don't care how we did it. We reached the final eight. That matters. Do you believe we play a circus group in the last 16? They made it really difficult for us, but we were convincing during extra time and were deserved winners in the end."