Germany thrash Slovakia to go into quarter-finals

The Germans showed their superiority from the beginning and were close after seven minutes when from a Kroos free kick, Khedira headed the ball towards goal, but the Slovakian goalkeeper tipped it over.

From the resulting corner, Germany went in front. The ball broke to Boateng on the edge of the box and the defender sent a volley into the bottom corner to score his first international goal.

Low’s side had a good chance to double the score on the 13th minute when they were awarded a penalty. Muller received a pass from Kimmich, chipped a ball into the danger area and Skrtel gave Gomez a shove at the near post to concede a penalty. However, Ozil saw his effort being saved by Kozacik.

Germany had another good chance on the 23rd minute as Draxler came inside and Hector went around on the overlap, but the full-back's driven cross from the byline was straight at Kozacik.

A minute later, Ozil smashed a half-volley inches past the post. Draxler tossed in a high cross and Gomez flicked it on, with the ball breaking to Ozil. However, with Kozacik routed to the spot, he couldn't find the target from 12 yards.

The Germans had another good chance on the 39th minute when a great pass from Ozil found Draxler, who took it on the chest, held off the challenge of Pekarik and fired on goal, but dragged it a couple of yards past the post.

Two minutes later, Neuer produced a spectacular save to keep the score at 1-0 . Pekarik got free down the right and delivered a great cross for Slovakia, where Duris attacked well, but Neuer flew to his right to tip over the bar.

Just when Slovakia showed some desire to get an equaliser, Mario Gomez doubled the score for Germany on the 43rd minute. Draxler went past Kucka down the left, got to the byline and picked out Gomez in the box, who turned home from close range to double Germany's lead.

Slovakia started the second half much in a much better way than they ended the first one. Four minutes from the start, they got down the right and Hamsik's pass found Kucka, but his firm strike from the edge of the box was straight at Neuer.

Despite Slovakia having a fair amount of possession, the Germans scored their 3rd goal on the 63rd minute. From Kroos corner, Hummels flicked the ball towards Draxler and the German striker found no difficulty as he guided the ball it into the roof of the net to score his second international goal.

Slovakia responded with a free kick on the 67th minute. Hamsik touched the ball to Durica, and the defender hammered a strike just wide of Neuer's goal.

Germany controlled possession during the remaining minutes, while Slovakia defended their pride by trying to keep a respectable score.

This result means that Germany are through to the quarter-finals and they will face either Spain or Italy.

Germany starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Neuer, Hummels, Boateng, Hector, Kimmich, Mueller, Khedira, Kroos, Draxler, Oezil, Gomez.

Slovakia starting line-up (4-3-3): Kozacik, Gyomber, Skrtel, Durica, Pekarik, Skriniar, Hrosovsky, Hamsik, Duris, Kucka, Weiss.

Yellow cards

Skrtel (Slovakia), Kimmich (Germany), Hummels (Germany), Kucka (Slovakia).

Referee

Marciniak (Poland)