Germany 3-0 Slovakia: EURO 2016 Round of 16 Report

Germany advanced to a Euro 2016 quarter-final tie against either Italy or Spain after a convincing 3-0 win over Slovakia in Lille.

First half goals from Jerome Boateng and Mario Gomez put the Germans in full control at the break, despite a Mesut Ozil missed penalty, and Julian Draxler wrapped up a comfortable success in the second half.

Joachim Low made one change to the side that beat Northern Ireland in their final group match, as Draxler was replaced Mario Gotze, who has disappointed in France so far.

The world champions were beaten by their opponents in a friendly only a few weeks before the tournament got underway, but Low’s side were never in doubt of winning this match.

Bayern Munich central defender Jerome Boateng fired Germany into an early lead. With just eight minutes on the clock, Slovakia cleared a German corner, but the former Manchester City man found the net with a low 25-yard volley that took a slight deflection on its way into the net.

Germany should have doubled their lead just minutes later as Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel was adjudged to have pushed Mario Gomez in the box. However, Matus Kozacik made an impressive save down to his left to deny Arsenal attacking midfielder Mesut Ozil from the spot.

Julian Draxler scores the third goal for Germany. Photo: Mark Leech/Offside

Low’s men continued to dominate proceedings as Ozil and Thomas Muller both went close to giving the Germans a two-goal cushion in Lille.

Slovakia, similar to in their goalless draw with England last week, struggled to create any chances and Germany were completely in control. But Jan Kozak’s side could have equalised were it not for Manuel Neuer. Juraj Kucka rose highest to meet a Slovakian cross from the right and his header was destined for the top corner, but Neuer tipped the AC Milan midfielder’s effort over the bar.

Germany doubled their advantage just before the break when Draxler took on Kucka on the left-hand side, before cutting the ball back to Gomez, who had the simplest of finishes to score his second goal of the tournament.

After 63 minutes, the impressive Draxler fired Germany into the quarter-finals. Mats Hummels rose above Jan Gregus and his header fell to an unmarked Draxler five yards out. The Wolfsburg winger’s powerful volley gave Kozacik no chance.

Toni Kroos nearly added a fourth in stoppage time, but Germany certainly laid down a marker here and will be full of confidence going into the quarter-finals against either Italy or Spain.

Man of the Match: Julian Draxler (Germany)

Joachim Low decided to make one change to the side that beat Northern Ireland last week, and Low’s decision to reinstate Draxler to the starting XI was vindicated. The Wolfsburg winger was bright, full of tricks, and created plenty of problems for Slovakia’s defence.

The 22-year-old created Germany’s second goal as Draxler took on Kucka before finding Mario Gomez to score from close range. Less than 20 minutes into the second half, Draxler notched a fully deserved goal and on 72 minutes, Low replaced the winger with Lukas Podolski, with Low knowing that an in form Draxler would worry Germany’s next opponents in Bordeaux.

What’s next?

World champions Germany will travel to Bordeaux to face the winners of tomorrow’s match between Spain and Italy in the quarter-finals of Euro 2016. Kozak’s Slovakia, meanwhile, will travel home and prepare for their World Cup 2018 qualification campaign, where they will face England and Scotland.