Germany power past Slovakia

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Football Soccer - Germany v Slovakia - EURO 2016 - Round of 16 - Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille, France - 26/6/16 Slovakia's Juraj Kucka in action with Germany's Toni Kroos REUTERS/Carl Recine Livepic - RTX2IB5A

Germany booked their place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2016 on Sunday as they coasted to a convincing victory over Slovakia.

It was the Germans who started the game on the front foot as they rapidly assumed control of possession. Sami Khedira then had the first effort from the Germans as he headed over following a free kick after seven minutes.Then, barely a minute later, Jerome Boateng put Die Mannschaft 1-0 up as he volleyed home following a corner.

Germany were awarded a penalty in the 13th minute as Martin Skrtel was penalised for a push in the box. Mesut Ozil duly stepped up, but saw his penalty saved by Matus Kozacik.

Germany pressed on despite the setback as they had a succession of half chances following crosses and efforts from range. Mario Gomez came closes as he fired narrowly wide following a knock down in the 25th minute.

The pressure continued to come entirely from the Germans, as Thomas Mueller headed over in the 26th minute before firing over the bar a few minutes later.

Slovakia began to make more inroads down the left flank but remained unable to create any chances, before Julian Draxler had another effort for Germany in the 39th minute. Slovakia then finally had a chance, but Juraj Kucka’s header was well kept out by Manuel Neuer.

The world champions finally got their second as Gomez tapped home following great wing play from Draxler. The score remained 2-0 at half-time.

Slovakia had a rare chance just minutes into the second-half, but Kucka’s effort was comfortably parried by Neuer. Marek Hamsik then had an effort from a free kick, but it sailed over.

Germany got their third goal of the game through Draxler as he volleyed home after the ball was headed-on after 63 minutes. But despite the game looking all but over, Slovakia continued to fight, as they produced a series of half-chances over the following quarter-hour.

Germany pressured Slovakia in the final period of the game, but there were no more goals forthcoming, despite Toni Kroos being denied late on. The score at the final whistle remained 3-0.

Photo: Reuters