On Sunday afternoon in Lille, Germany faced Slovakia for a place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2016.
The world champions entered break with a 2-0 lead courtesy of a long-range effort from Jerome Boateng and close-range finish from Mario Gomez.
Julian Draxler then scored a third in the 63rd minute as Joachim Low's side eased through their last-16 tie to set-up a quarter-final against either Italy or Spain next weekend.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! Sports Mole's live Euro 2016 coverage continues from Lille as Germany take on Slovakia in the round of 16. The world champions will enter this match as the firm favourites to make the quarter-finals, but Slovakia showed their defensive strength against England last time out to sneak into the first knockout round. Will the Germans be dumped out this afternoon? Stay with me to find out!
This afternoon will be the 11th meeting between these two nations in international football. Germany have won seven of the previous 10, but have been beaten on three occasions, including a 3-1 defeat in a friendly in Germany just last month. They also met during qualification for Euro 2008, when Germany won 4-1 away and 2-1 at home. Can Slovakia provide the shock of the competition here?!
Right, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from Lille. Who have Joachim Low and Jan Kozak placed their faith in for this last-16 clash? Let's run through the two XIs!
TEAMS!
GER: Neuer; Kimmich, Boateng, Hummels, Hector; Khedira, Kroos; Ozil, Muller, Draxler; Gomez
SVK: Kozacik; Pekarik, Skrtel, Durica, Gyomber; Skriniar, Kucka, Hrosovsky, Hamsik, Weiss; Duris
Germany boss Joachim Low has made one change to the team that beat Northern Ireland last time out and it comes in attack as Julian Draxler takes the place of Mario Gotze. Jerome Boateng is fit to start at centre-back after overcoming a calf problem, while Mario Gomez keeps his spot at centre-forward after scoring against Northern Ireland. Joshua Kimmich continues on the right side of defence.
Slovakia boss Jan Kozak, meanwhile, has made four changes to the team that drew 0-0 with England. Michal Duris takes the place of Ondrej Duda at centre-forward, while Norbert Gyomber is chosen ahead of Tomas Hubocan at left-back. Patrik Hrosovsky and Milan Skriniar also replace Vikor Pecovsky and Robert Mak, but key midfielder Marek Hamsik and captain Martin Skrtel both start.
So there we have it. The two teams are in and we are now just over 40 minutes from kickoff on this warm late afternoon in Lille. I shall speak about Slovakia and their route to this stage a little bit later, but let's start with the world champions Germany, who comfortably advanced into the round of 16, but it would be fair to say that they are yet to find their best form in this competition.
Germany won their fourth World Cup crown in 2014, but they have not won the European Championships since 1996, which was their third title. Since then, they have been knocked out in the group stages on two occasions, before finishing as runners-up in 2008 and making the semi-finals of Euro 2012, where they were knocked out by Italy and a brace from a certain Mario Balotelli.
This summer, they opened their Group C campaign with a 2-0 win over Ukraine courtesy of goals from Shkodran Mustafi and Bastian Schweinsteiger, but they could only draw their second group match 0-0 against Poland on June 16. That put pressure on Low's side ahead of their final clash with Northern Ireland, but a 1-0 victory was enough to see them top the group on goal difference.
In truth, Germany could have beaten Northern Ireland by five or six last Tuesday, but a Mario Gomez effort proved enough to secure all the points. They only scored three times in their three group matches, but have not yet conceded and in truth, their defence has been comfortable for long spells. It is easy to see why they are among the favourites to claim the title in France this summer.
Germany's lack of a top-level centre-forward, however, could yet haunt them. Mario Gotze was given that role against Ukraine and Poland, but struggled to make his mark. Gomez then stepped in against Northern Ireland and indeed scored the winning goal, although his position in the team is far from certain. That places a lot of emphasis on the team to spread the goals around.
Slovakia, meanwhile, booked their spot in the round of 16 after finishing third in Group B behind Wales and England. In the end, four points were enough to see them qualify as one of the four best third-place teams and they will enter this match off the back of a 0-0 draw with England last time out.
Having been so successful holding England on Monday, it does not take a genius to work out what approach Slovakia will take in this match. They were put under serious pressure in Group B after losing their opener 2-1 to Wales on June 11, but they beat a poor Russia team 2-1 on June 15, before gaining the point that they needed against Roy Hodgson's side last time out.
Like Germany, Slovakia have only scored three times at Euro 2016 and they will be reliant on Marek Hamsik to inspire them in the knockout rounds. That said, for all the criticism aimed at Martin Skrtel, the Liverpool centre-back was brilliant against England and could be a key player for his team here. Northern Ireland did manage to frustrate the Germans for long spells last week.
Slovakia also impressed in their qualification campaign for this summer's tournament – finishing second behind Spain on 22 points, winning seven of their 10 games in the process. They managed to beat Spain during qualifying and as mentioned, overcame Germany in a friendly last month.
Having failed to qualify for a major competition between 1996 and 2010, Slovakia made the World Cup finals in 2010 and reached the round of 16 during a successful campaign. This is also their first ever appearance in the finals of a European Championship and they have once again made the knockout rounds. Germany are rightly the favourites here, but Slovakia have previous against big teams.
Confirmation of the two teams here...
GER: Neuer; Kimmich, Boateng, Hummels, Hector; Khedira, Kroos; Ozil, Muller, Draxler; Gomez
SVK: Kozacik; Pekarik, Skrtel, Durica, Gyomber; Skriniar, Kucka, Hrosovsky, Hamsik, Weiss; Duris
Here we go then - time for the national anthems!
Right, the national anthems and pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Guess it is time for the football then! The winner of this match will take on either Italy or Spain in the quarter-finals! Can Slovakia shock the competition with a victory in Lille?
KICKOFF! Germany get the first period underway here...
... it must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium, both sets of supporters are in fine voice and why not! Germany immediately look to break down the right through Kimmich, but Gyomber is across to make the challenge and ultimately win a free kick which Kozacik will take.
As expected, Germany are the team looking to claim an early advantage as they pass and probe in the final third of the field. Kroos delivers a dangerous cross towards Gomez at the far post, but once again Slovakia are stern and the ball drifts behind for a goal kick. Fairly low-key start here.
Kimmich is once again starting at right-back for Germany, but he has been like a right-sided attacker in the opening six minutes. All of Germany's work is going through the young defender!
Gyomber brings Draxler to the deck and Germany have a dangerous free kick here...
... SAVE! Khedira meets the free kick from Kroos and his header looks destined for the back of the net, but Kozacik is on hand to make a smart save! Good goalkeeping there.
GOAL! Germany 1-0 Slovakia (Boateng)
OH MY WORD! It is wonderful. Slovakia manage to clear another corner from the Germans, but it lands onto the boot of Boateng and the centre-back's effort absolutely flies into the bottom corner!
Germany mean business here, that much is sure. Slovakia are doing their best to close the space, but they have already conceded and they are under pressure to respond down the other end.
PENALTY GERMANY!
BOOKING! Skrtel (Slovakia) is booked for pushing Gomez to the ground inside the box!
SAVE! Kozacik keeps out a poor spot kick from Ozil!
Well, Slovakia have survived a second goal, but they are still really struggling to make things happen in the final third of the field. They just cannot seem to keep hold of the ball at the moment.
Gomez has a shot blocked as Germany continue to put the pressure on this Slovakian defence. Gomez was chosen to lead the German line here and he is causing all sorts of problems.
Kroos volleys wide of the post as Slovakia continue to concede possession.
Another half-chance for the Germans, but Ozil fires over after Slovakia fail to clear. This is going to be a really long night for Slovakia if the pattern of the match continues in Lille.
Just a reminder that the winner of this match will take on either Italy or Spain in the quarter-finals. That side of the draw is very tasty indeed! Slovakia have just managed to settle in the last couple of minutes, but they cannot get their lone centre-forward - Michal Duris - in the match here.
Kimmich continues to break down the right for Germany and Slovakia are taking their time to shuffle across the pitch. Moments later, Hector is released down the left, but his cross is gathered by Kozacik, who tries to release Weiss in a wide position. Germany still in total control of this game.
CLOSE! Germany again come close as Gomez flicks the ball into the path of Ozil, but the midfielder's low strike is just wide of the post. Looked destined for the bottom corner there.
Skrtel blocks a powerful Khedira strike as Slovakia continue to defend deep here. Muller then hits one from distance following another period of pressure, but Kozacik is on hand to make the save.
CHANCE! Muller is up to meet a swinging cross from Hector, but his header was always over the crossbar. Germany could well be three or four goals ahead with 29 minutes on the clock.
Slovakia will always be in the game at 1-0, but Neuer has had his slippers on in the opening 31 minutes and Germany seem capable of scoring every time that they break forward. Hector again breaks down the left before delivering into the Slovakia box, but Skrtel makes first contact.
Muller again tries his luck, but again clears the crossbar from just inside the box.
Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining and Germany could be three or four goals ahead, but they lead courtesy of a wonderful effort from Boateng, who found the bottom corner from distance. The movement from the Germans in the final third is wonderful as they continue to threaten.
Pass, pass, pass from Germany as they continue to open the space in the final third. We have seen nothing from the likes of Hamsik and Weiss as Slovakia spend long periods without possession.
Slovakia cannot seem to contain the problem as Germany threaten down both wings and also through the middle. A loose back-pass from Hector almost allows Duris the chance to nick possession, but Neuer, as expected, takes up a good starting position and can clear for a throw-in.
CHANCE! Draxler turns away from Pekarik inside the Slovakia box and looks to pick out the bottom corner, but his effort just moved wide of the far post. Slovakia survive again.
SAVE! Wonderful goalkeeping from Neuer as the German stopper keeps out a close-range header from Kucka. Slovakia come so close to an equaliser late in the first period!
Slovakia have been second best by some distance, but they are still in the game at 1-0.
GOAL! Germany 2-0 Slovakia (Gomez)
Germany score their second of the match as Draxler breaks into the Slovakia box before picking out Gomez, who pokes the ball home from close range. Two in two games for Gomez at Euro 2016!
Just the one minute to be played at the end of the first period.
HALF-TIME: Germany 2-0 Slovakia
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Germany leading 2-0 in Lille courtesy of goals from Boateng and Gomez. In truth, Slovakia have really struggled. This summer's last-16 ties have been very close thus far, but unfortunately that is just not the case in this game.
STATISTICS! Germany have dominated the possession with 65%, while they have had 14 attempts, five of which were on target. Slovakia, meanwhile, have only managed one attempt on target. Just the one yellow card and that came for Skrtel in the 13th minute for a push on Gomez inside the Slovakia box.
BENCH WATCH! Germany are not exactly short of attacking talent in their first XI, but Low has the likes of Gotze, Podolski, Sane and Schurrle if he wishes to alter things in the second period. Slovakia, meanwhile, have forward options in the shape of Duda, Mak, Salata, Sestak and Stoch.
RESTART! Slovakia resume the action in Lille...
... SLOVAKIA SUB! Gregus has replaced Weiss for Slovakia at the break.
Slovakia need to score the next goal tonight if they are to stand a chance of turning this game around, that is for sure. That said, even if they do score, it is difficult to imagine Germany failing to create chances down the other end. It is a long, long road back for the Slovakians in this last-16 tie.
Not an awful lot to report in terms of chances in the early moments of the second period, but Slovakia are showing more intent in the final third. They will have to take risks as play develops here.
SAVE! Much better from Slovakia as Hamsik plays a clever pass into Kucka and the number 19 releases a powerful strike, but Neuer is on hand to make a smart save.
Not an awful lot for the German supporters to get excited about at the moment as Slovakia continue to enjoy possession of the ball and it would be very interesting if the team in blue could find a goal.
Slovakia have a free kick in a dangerous area as Hector brings Kucka to the deck...
... Hamsik's free kick takes a deflection and just misses the far post.
Pekarik breaks down the right for Slovakia and looks to pick out Duris with a cross, but the delivery is too strong and Germany can resume play with a throw-in. Still 2-0 to the world champions here.
Another free kick for Slovakia as Draxler fells Skriniar...
... Kucka strikes after Hamsik's touch, but his effort was always high and wide.
Slovakia continue to work the ball in the final third of the field and Germany are playing a dangerous game at the moment as they drop deeper and deeper. Not sure this would have been the plan.
We are entering the stage of the match where both managers will be considering changes. It would not be a surprise to see Low freshen his attack, which has been disappointing since the break.
GOAL! Germany 3-0 Slovakia (Draxler)
Germany score their third in the 63rd minute as Hummels's header angles towards the far post and Draxler is on hand to volley home from close range. Just Draxler's second international goal!
SLOVAKIA SUB! Sestak replaces Duris for Slovakia.
The German supporters are in fine voice here as their team close on the quarter-finals.
BOOKING! Hummels (Germany) is booked for a late challenge on Sestak.
CLOSE! Durica's long-range strike just misses Neuer's post!
Germany are preparing to make a double change with 71 minutes on the clock.
GERMANY SUBS! Howedes and Podolski replace Boateng and Draxler.
Cap number 129 for Podolski tonight! Incredible the amount of football he has played for the German national team. How the former Arsenal striker would love to register late on tonight.
Schweinsteiger will soon enter for Germany as Low prepares his third change of the match.
GERMANY SUB! Schweinsteiger replaces Khedira for the world champions.
Podolski delivers a dangerous cross into the Slovakian box, but Kozacik just about does enough to claim under pressure from Gomez, who has not really been seen in the second 45 minutes.
In truth, there has hardly been a chance of note since Draxler scored a third for Germany and Slovakia are finding it difficult to muster the strength to break forward at 3-0 behind.
Podolski is denied by a smart save from Kozacik following a sharp period of passing, but the offside flag is raised and Slovakia can resume play from a free kick inside their own penalty box.
Slovakia are desperate to avoid becoming the first team to concede four goals at this summer's tournament and they have around six or seven minutes to prevent another German goal going in!
SLOVAKIA SUB! Salata replaces Gyomber in Slovakia's final change.
Neither side is really too interested in breaking forward at the moment as both exchange periods of possession. Slovakia improved in the second period, but they have come up well short tonight.
Hector again finds space down the left and looks to pick out Gomez, but the left-back's cross is too strong and the ball fizzes out for a throw. Still 3-0 with 90 minutes on the clock in Lille.
Just two minutes of stoppage time to be played here.
SAVE! Kozacik does well to keep out a close-range strike from Kroos.
BOOKING! Kucka (Slovakia) is booked for a late challenge on Slovakia.
FULL-TIME: Germany 3-0 Slovakia
So there we have it. World champions Germany beat Slovakia 3-0 in Lille to advance into the quarter-finals of Euro 2016, where they will meet either Spain or Italy next weekend. That is just about it from me tonight, but be sure to join Sports Mole's live coverage again soon. Until next time!
