Germany cruised past Slovakia in a 3-0 win at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy to book a spot among the last eight at Euro 2016.
Joachim Loew’s side took control of the contest almost immediately, taking the advantage in the eighth minute when Toni Kroos’ delivery into the box was only cleared back as far as Jerome Boeteng – who fired the ball back past Matus Kozacik in the Slovak goal. The Germans were almost gifted a second moments later when Martin Skrtel was judged to have fouled Mario Gomez in front of goal, but Mesut Ozil’s poorly taken penalty was easily denied.
Largely shut inside their own half, Slovakia would go further behind just before halftime after the world champions broke down the left and Julian Draxler set Mario Gomez up for a tap-in.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
The second-half brought little change to the proceedings, with Germany happy to rest on their buffer and the Slovaks constantly frustrated by a supreme structure that suffocates the pitch. The result was sealed ijust after the hour-mark by Julian Draxler – who capped-off a stellar individual performance by volleying home another Kroos corner.
Germany
Manuel Neuer – 6.5: Stopped a Kucka header from point-blank range at the end of the first-half, but the rest of the game was relaxed for the custodian.
Joshua Kimmich – 6: A good time for the youngster to gain some valuable minutes and was composed down the left. Also recorded five crosses.
Jerome Boeteng – 7.5: Gave Germany the early lead with a powerful long drive that nestled in the bottom corner and had little to do defensively before his late substitution.
Mats Hummels – 6: The captain was rarely tested at the back, but proved a force when going for the ball in the air.
Jonas Hector – 6: Passing from the back was pinpoint and also added to the attack when able.
Sami Khedira – 7: Sent a header just over the bar in the opening minutes, however, is forming an impenetrable wall with Kroos that is keeping Die Mannschaft clear of any relative danger.
Toni Kroos – 8: A masterful display by the screener, assisting two of Germany’s goals with pinpoint corner deliveries into the box.
Thomas Muller – 6: Still unable to find the space needed to fully demonstrate his ability. May have been a better choice than Ozil for the spot-kick.
Mesut Ozil – 5.5: Will be relieved that his poorly taken penalty in the first-half did not end up costing Die Mannschaft more and his influence in the match quickly dipped after the early stages.
Julian Draxler – 8.5: Danced his way deep on the left-flank to provide the assist for Gomez, before netting his own with a close-range volley. Another impressive national showing for the youngster.
Mario Gomez – 6.5: Made no mistake when presented with a tap-in opportunity in the 43rd minute, yet once again lacked the dynamism one would expect.
Substitutes
Benedikt Howedes – 5.5: Had little to do after replacing Boeteng for the last half-hour.
Lukas Podolski – 6: Looked for space inside the box and sent in three crosses.
Bastian Schweinsteiger – 5: Will be hoping his cameos off the bench lead to a starting berth in the tournament’s business end.
Slovakia
Matus Kozacik – 6: Was under pressure from the opening whistle and beaten at his near post by Boeteng for the opener, but did well to save Ozil’s penalty.
Norbert Gyomber – 6: A strong presence among the Slovakian backline, not afraid to take a risk on a tackle and made two interceptions.
Jan Durica – 4.5: Never settled into the contest and was bullied far too easily around the box
Martin Skrtel – 5: Poor judgement from the defender gave Germany a penalty on a platter – which Skrtel would no doubt be endlessly grateful to his goalkeeper for saving. Did make several clearances under pressure though.
Peter Pekarik – 5.5: Had a torrid time up against the energised Draxler on the left, but did pass with high accuracy and delivered two crosses.
Marek Hamsik – 5: Probably could have done more to get himself involved, failing to record a shot on goal or cross into the box for the 90 minutes.
Milan Skriniar – 6: Had a shot go wide of the bar and made four successful take-ons.
Patrik Hrosovsky – 5.5: Moved the ball around well, but most of Slovakia’s momentum was cut out before the 18-yard box.
Vladimir Weiss – 5: Struggled to generate anything of note on his flank and was substituted at the break.
Michal Duris – 5: A ruthless German defence kept the striker from taking a single attempt during his time on the field. Replaced by Stanislav Stesak in the latter stages.
Juraj Kucka – 5.5: Forced a great save from Neuer with a header, but was otherwise isolated by the opposition backline.
Substitutes
Jan Gregus – 5: Had no luck in trying to find a breakthrough after his introduction.
Stanislav Stesak – 4.5: Hardly had a touch of the ball.
Kornel Salata – N/A: The result was clearly beyond doubt before he stepped on for the last 10 minutes.
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