Despite some less than impressive displays during the group stage, Germany is still very much in the hunt for Euro 2016. The reigning world champions are fresh off their most promising performance yet, and should be ready for the challenge of a dangerous Slovakia side which dealt the Germans a loss just weeks before the start of the tournament.
Read on below for more on this Euro 2016 round of 16 matchup. And for more of Sunday’s Euro action, check out our previews of France vs. Ireland and Hungary vs. Belgium.
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The big talking point for Germany during the group stage was its inability to score goals (only three goals in three games). However, Die Mannschaft’s performance in their 1-0 win over Northern Ireland showed signs that they are slowly starting to figure things out on the offensive end.
They absolutely dominated the Northern Irish to the tune of 71 percent possession and 26 total shots. Only an inspired effort by goalkeeper Michael McGovern (and a bit of bad luck) prevented the Germans from scoring even more goals.
Thomas Muller still hasn’t scored in the tournament, but after setting up Mario Gomez’s winner and hitting the woodwork twice against Northern Ireland, Germany boss Joachim Low is confident his star striker will finally break his mini drought against Slovakia.
Meanwhile, Gomez is set to retain his starting spot, which should give the Germans another dimension in attack against a solid Slovakian defense. Gomez scored the lone goal their 3-1 loss to Slovakia last month.
Other than putting the ball in the net, though, the Germans have had no discernible problems thus far. Their defense, while a bit shaky at times, still has yet to concede a single goal. Their midfield has been a big reason for that excellent defense. They’ve managed to control all three games with their expert passing, and should continue to dominate possession against Slovakia.
For the most part, Slovakia was solid during the group stage. After a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Wales, the Slovaks rebounded to defeat a very poor Russia team and held on for a goalless draw against England to qualify from a group where they were expected to finish last.
The Slovaks adopted a more cautious approach against England to claim the point they needed, and will likely continue with their defensive formation against a very dangerous German team. However, their defense isn’t the greatest. Apart from England, the last teams they’ve held goalless over their last 16 games were weaker sides like Northern Ireland, Latvia, Ukraine and Luxembourg.
Slovakia will be a threat to score some goals as well, though. They are perfectly comfortable sitting back and waiting for chances to counterattack, and in Marek Hamsik, they have someone who can orchestrate those attacks with precision. Hamsik and co. have used this counterattacking strategy to beat the past two world champions – Spain (in Euro qualifying in 2013) and Germany, just prior to Euro 2016.
Germany’s defense has been exposed at times in this tournament, so the Slovaks should get be able to get one or two very good chances on goal.
Eight of Slovakia’s last 11 games have seen at least three or more goals scored.
Writer’s Prediction
Germany’s offense finally breaks out with a 3-1 win, pushing the total over 2.0 goals.
