Loew wants Germany to be ‘better than England’ vs. Slovakia

It could mean a defensive reshuffle for Germany boss Joachim Low, although he is unlikely to displace Joshua Kimmich from the right-back slot he filled so impressively against Northern Ireland.

Slovakia will probably rely heavily on a defensive-minded approach and hope they can create danger from counter-attacks.

“To play them twice in the space of a few weeks is a great challenge but we’ll do our best to cause another upset”.

Boateng, who was forced off early with a calf injury in the 1-0 win over Northern Ireland on Tuesday, trained on Saturday morning before departing for Lille. Toni Kroos has been pulling the strings for Germany and Thomas Muller, Mario Goetze and Mario Gomes have been the key men up front but without a doubt the attacking trio have missed a lot of chances so far.

Kimmich was more at home on the flanks than Howedes had been in Germany’s opening two games, the out-of-position central defender seeming especially vulnerable against Ukraine’s quick wingers.

Slovakia possible starting XI: Kozacvik; Pekarik, Skrtel, Durica, Hubočan; Kucka, Pecovsky, Mak, Hamsik, Weiss; Duda.

Boateng has been crucial for the German defence, which is yet to concede a goal.

Mario Gomez is set to lead the line for Germany against Slovakia in their Euro 2016 last 16 knock-out match. Germany are strong with a squad very capable of winning the lot but Slovakia will not roll over and this one could be a cat and mouse game.

The ten meetings between these nations have comprised seven Germany wins, three for Slovakia and no draws.

While Slovakia have never before competed at a UEFA European Championship as an independent nation, as part of Czechoslovakia they figured in three four-team final tournaments.

Slovakia were absolutely atrocious against England, they brought nothing to the party. That result coupled with a victory over hapless Russian Federation was enough to see them through to the knockouts.

Slovakia has injury worries over Dusan Svento, Tomas Hubocan and Robert Mak, while defender Peter Pekarik will play with a nose guard after receiving a heavy blow during the game against England.

The world keeper of the year has yet to concede a goal in France, and is looking to maintain that record against Slovakia. Hamsik’s delicious curling effort against Russian Federation was a timely reminder of his talents and danger from distance.

“In the group phase he didn’t often get into forward positions”.

Germany are trading at [1.46] to win in normal time, but you can back them -1.0 on the Asian Handicap at [1.8].

“Germany are great in possession, tactics, play attractive football and we will all have to be 100 per cent ready to at least go toe-to-toe with them”, he added.