Germany produced its best performance yet at the European Championship, beating Slovakia 3-0 and advancing to the quarterfinals.
Jerome Boateng got the World Cup winners off to a good start when he scored from outside the penalty area in the eighth minute.
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. Julian Draxler added the third with a volley in the 63rd after Mats Hummels got his head to a corner.
Mesut Ozil had the chance to score another in the first half after Martin Skrtel conceded a penalty for a blatant shove on Gomez, but Slovakia goalkeeper Matus Kozacik guessed the right way and palmed away the spot kick.
Germany will next face either Spain or Italy in the quarterfinals in Bordeaux on Saturday.
Julian Draxler scored with a volley from short range.
Mats Hummels’ header from a cross by Toni Kroos found the winger at the far post, and Draxler sent the ball past goalkeeper Matus Kazocik.
GOAL!!! Julian Draxler scores for Germany in the 63rd minute. Germany leads Slovakia 3-0.
Jerome Boateng and Mario Gomez scored to give Germany a 2-0 halftime lead over Slovakia in the round of 16 at the European Championship.
Boateng scored in the eighth minute when he shot from outside the penalty area and put the ball inside the left post.
Mesut Ozil had the chance to add another six minutes later after Martin Skrtel conceded a penalty for a blatant shove on Gomez, but Matus Kozacik guessed the right way and palmed away his spot kick.
Ozil, Thomas Mueller and Toni Kroos all missed further chances before Gomez finally beat Kozacik at his near post in the 43rd after some fine work from Julian Draxler.
Marek Hamsik had gone close in a rare chance for Slovakia just before, but Manuel Neuer tipped his effort over.
GOAL!!!! Mario Gomez scores for Germany in the 43rd minute. Germany leads Slovakia 2-0.
Mesut Ozil’s penalty kick was saved by Slovakia goalkeeper Matus Kozacik.
The penalty was awarded after Slovakia captain Martin Skrtel brought down Germany striker Mario Gomez in the area.
Germany midfielder Mesut Ozil has his penalty saved in the 13th minute. Germany still leads Slovakia 1-0.
Jerome Boateng scored with a low shot from just outside the area. The shot was slightly deflected and left Slovakia goalkeeper Matus Kozacik with no chance.
GOAL!!!! Jerome Boateng scores for Germany in the eighth minute. Germany leads Slovakia 1-0.
Germany coach Joachim Loew has dropped World Cup-winner Mario Goetze for his side’s round of 16 game against Slovakia in Lille.
Goetze started all three group games but failed to score in any. He makes way for Julian Draxler, who returns after sitting out the final group game against Northern Ireland so that Mario Gomez could start.
Gomez, who scored in that game, keeps his place to lead Germany’s attack, where he will be supported by Thomas Mueller, Mesut Ozil and Draxler. Joshua Kimmich keeps his place in defense.
Slovakia is looking to Marek Hamsik and Vladimir Weiss to lead its attack, where Michal Duris comes in to replace Robert Mak.
Here are the lineups for the match between Germany and Slovakia at Stade Pierre Mauroy in Lille:
Germany: Manuel Neuer, Jonas Hector, Joshua Kimmich, Mats Hummels, Jerome Boateng, Sami Khedira, Toni Kroos, Julian Draxler, Thomas Mueller, Mesut Ozil, Mario Gomez.
Slovakia: Matus Kozacik, Peter Pekarik, Martin Skrtel, Jan Durica, Norbert Gyomber, Milan Skriniar, Juraj Kucka, Patrik Hrosovsky, Marek Hamsik, Vladimir Weiss, Michal Duris.
