Germany thrash Slovakia to storm into quarter-finals

Germany produced their best display so far at Euro 2016 as they eased into the quarter finals with a thumping 3-0 win over Slovakia in Lille.

The world champions seem to have found form with ominously good timing, comfortably seeing off the challenge of Jan Kozak's underdogs to suggest they have worked out the minor glitches that had left some observers doubting their bid for a record fourth European Championship crown.

From the moment Jerome Boateng thundered in his first strike for his country on eight minutes the result never looked in doubt - despite Mesut Ozil's missed penalty just five minutes later.

The results seemed certain with Mario Gomez notching a second prior to the interval, to equal Jurgen Klinsmann's German record of five goals overall at this tournament.

The striker's clever flick finished off a superb run and cutback from the lively Julian Draxler. The VFL Wolfsburg man was a danger throughout and fully justified his inclusion in place of Mario Goetze when he volleyed in the match-clinching third just past the hour.

Slovakia could have been beaten by an even greater margin and were grateful to goalkeeper Matus Kozacik for his heroics in stopping Mesut Ozil's penalty, a rare blip when it comes to German spot-kick misses at major tournaments.

In truth, it didn't looked like being costly as Die Mannschaft cruised into the last eight where they will meet either Italy or Spain on Saturday July 2, in Bordeaux - and on this evidence, they will be hot favourites to go on and face France, England or Iceland in the semi-finals.

Low has found the winning formula - and it's bad news for Mario Goetze. Germany came into the competition playing their World Cup winning goalscorer as a false number nine. Their lack of a significant goal threat was a real concern in their opening matches but they always had enough in their locker to make it through their group. In true German style they have grown as the tournament has progressed with Gomez coming in to lead the line and notching two in two matches.

Draxler replaced the ineffective Goetze against Slovakia and responded with a super showing that suggests the man who was the toast of his country just two years ago in Brazil could well play a peripheral role in the remainder of these Euros. The Germans know all about tournament football and have laid down the gauntlet with this showing.

Julian Draxler (Germany). Enjoyed a very lively first half, conjuring up a delicious assist for Gomez. Was quieter in the second period but showed flashes of brilliance before crashing in a volley to seal the win. His involvement clearly enhanced Germany's proficiency as an attacking force.

GERMANY: Neuer 7; Kimmich 6, Boateng 8, Hummels 7, Hector 7; Kroos 7, Khedira 7; Müller 7, Özil 6, Draxler 8; Gomez 7. Subs: Howedes 6, Podolski 6, Schweinsteiger n/a.

SLOVAKIA: Kozacik 7; Pekarik 6, Skrtel 6, Durica 6, Gyomber 6; Kucka 7, Hrosovsky 6, Skriniar 6, Hamsik 5, Weiss 5, Duris 5. Subs: Gregus 6, Sestak 5, Salata n/a.

8' - GOAL! GERMANY 1-0 SLOVAKIA. Kroos' left-wing corner is headed clear to the edge of the area where Boateng arrives on cue to thunder a low volley into the bottom corner.

13' - PENALTY SAVED! Mesut Ozil steps up but sees his spot-kick to Matus Kozacik's left-hand side brilliantly pushed away by the keeper. The penalty was awarded after Skrtel had clearly pushed Gomez in the box.

24' - GERMANY CHANCE! Ozil fizzes wide on the half volley after Gomez had knocked Draxler's cross into his path.

40' - SLOVAKIA CHANCE! Juraj Kucka gets on the end of a right-wing cross but sees his header tipped over by Neuer.

43' - GOAL! GERMANY 2-0 SLOVAKIA. Gomez tucks in at the near post after Draxler had danced beyond his man on the left flank and cut it into the forward's path.

63' - GOAL! GERMANY 3-0 SLOVAKIA. It's three and game over. Draxler hooks a volley into the roof of the net after Kroos' right-wing corner was flicked on by Hummels.

69' - SLOVAKIA CHANCE! Durica thunders a 30-yard effort just wide of Neuer's left-hand post.

Jérôme Boateng's goal after eight minutes is the fastest Germany goal ever at the European Championships.

Ozil's spot kick miss was Germany's first ever in Euro history (shoot-outs aside).

Germany had 15 shots in the first half; the most of any team in the first half of a game at EURO 2016.

Mario Gómez scored his fifth EURO goal, equalling the German EURO record set by Jürgen Klinsmann.

Julian Draxler is only the third German player to score and provide an assist in a single EURO match.

Draxler (22y 280d) is the youngest player with a goal & assist in a EURO game since Cesc Fàbregas in 2008 (21y 37d).

Germany have kept four clean sheets at Euro2016 more than they've recorded in any other edition of the European Championships.