Germany beats Slovakia 3-0 to make Euro 2016 quarterfinals

Despite dominating chances and possession, Germany had to wait until the 43rd for the next goal, scored by Mario Gomez with a simple finish at the near post.

Slovakia were marginally better in the second half but when the excellent Draxler hooked a volley into the top corner in the 63rd minute there was no way back.

Up next for Germany is a quarterfinal-clash against two-time defending champion Spain or old rival Italy for what will undoubtedly be one of the most-anticipated matches in the next round.

Joachim Low believes that Slovakia will provide a stern challenge to Germany in their last-16 tie, but is confident that a repeat of last month’s loss will be avoided.

Draxler then showed good strength and technique to control the ball on the edge of the penalty area before turning and shooting just wide in the 39th minute.

“So far, we’ve only played against teams who have parked the bus”.

For Marek Hamsik and the rest of the Slovakians, the journey is over this time out.

Ozil wasted another great chance in the 24th minute, dragging well wide after Gomez had intelligently nodded on Draxler’s left-wing cross. Germany was to hold its final training session at its team base in Evian-les-Bains on Saturday morning before traveling to Lille, while Slovakia was to do likewise at Vichy. It should have been three but for Mesut Ozil missing a penalty shortly after Boateng give them an early lead.

Germany were awarded a penalty in the 13th minute when Mario Gomez was brought down by Marten Skrtel. Against Northern Ireland in Paris, they won 1-0 despite having 26 attempts on goal.

Germany: Jerome Boateng is Germany’s only injury worry but he’s expected to recover from a calf problem in time to start. Draxler found space in the box in the 38th minute, but his shot deflected off the shin of a defender and into the welcoming arms of Kozacik. As a contest, the game was over as soon as Jerome Boateng volleyed in after eight minutes.

Still, the 1-0 victory was enough for the team to progress to the round of 16 at Euro 2016.

Despite improving in the second-half, as coach Jan Kozak rang the attacking changes, Slovakia simply could not seem to hit the back of the net.

Goetze started all three group games but failed to score in any.

That display against Michael O’Neill’s men has led to comparisons being drawn with Bayern team-mate, and former Germany captain, Philipp Lahm but Kimmich laughed them off as premature.

Norbert Gyomber, Patrik Hrosovsky, Milan Skriniar and Michal Duris all come into the side as Tomas Hubocan, Viktor Pecovsky, Robert Mak and Ondrej Duda drop out.