Player of the Week - André Schürrle

Super-Sub!

Germany moved into the quarter-finals of Brazil 2014 after a 2-1 victory over Algeria in Porto Alegre. The Algerians, who had never qualified for the last 16 before, played a fantastic match, but it was the introduction of André Schürrle, as a half-time substitute, that eventually changed the game. The scores were level after 90 minutes, so extra-time was needed to separate the teams. After just 2 minutes of extra-time, Schürrle scored. It was a fantastic goal by the Chelsea forward, who flicked the ball in the net with the ball behind him, after a cross from Thomas Müller. In the final minute, Schürrle and Arsenal forward, Mesut Özil combined and Özil made it 2-0 to the Germans. There was still time for some late drama when Algeria scored a very late consolation goal, but it was not enough and Germany will meet France in the quarter-finals.

"Andre, in front of goal, has cold blood. He’s a really good finisher."  Jose Mourinho (Chelsea manager).

Is Schürrle the first substitute to score at Brazil 2014?

Schürrle's goal was not the first by a subsitute at this World Cup. In fact, Schürrle's goal was the 26th goal scored by a substitute at Brazil 2014. This is a World Cup record for goals scored by substitutes. This record number of goals may be due to the hot conditions in Brazil. The substitutes, who are fresh, can run at tired defenders, create more chances and score more goals. Some of the goal scoring substitutes include Manchester Utd's Marouane Fellaini, Juan Mata and Javier Hernandez (Belgium v Algeria, Spain v Australia and Mexico v Croatia) and Norwich City's Leroy Fer (the Netherlands v Chile).

What did Schürrle achieve in his first season in the Premier League?

After successful spells with German teams, Bayer Leverkusen and FSV Mainz 05, André Schürrle joined Chelsea in the summer of 2013. He made his debut in August 2013, and in October 2013 scored his first goal, against Premier League Champions Manchester City, in a 2-1 win for Chelsea. He scored his first ever Premier League hat-trick against Fulham in March 2014 and became only the third German to score a hat-trick in the Premier League. The other two were Jurgen Klinsmann (Spurs) and Fredi Bobic (Bolton Wanderers). Schürrle's goal against Algeria means he has now scored 14 goals in only 37 games for Germany, which is amazing for a player who is mainly used as a substitute!

"The year in England has done Schurrle good. He's gained more self-confidence and improved. I've been very happy with him so far in training." Joachim Löw (Coach of the German national team).

What do we know about André Schürrle?

André Schürrle was born in Ludwigshafen in Germany on 6 November 1990. He is the first player to play for Germany who was born after the reunification of East and West Germany in 1990. Schürrle normally plays as a winger for Chelsea, but he can also play as a second striker. Both Chelsea and Germany use Schürrle's speed to play on the counter-attack, which is often very effective as Schürrle is a good finisher as well as very fast.

Can Schürrle help Germany to win the World Cup in Brazil?

What did you understand?

Did you know......?

• Schürrle scored a hat-trick in a 5–3 away win against Sweden in 2014 World Cup qualification.
• Schürrle scored against Paris Saint-Germain to help Chelsea reach the Champions League semi-finals in 2013-14.
• Schürrle has scored 5 goals in his last 5 competitive games for Germany.
• Michael Ballack and Robert Huth are two other Germans that have played for Chelsea.
• Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea FC, is the oldest stadium in the Premier League.