Germany dominates Slovakia to ease into quarter-finals

Germany eased into the next round of Euro 2016 on Sunday with a 3-0 victory over Slovakia in a match that displayed the type of dominance many expected from the World Cup champion when the tournament kicked off.

The victory, which ensured Germany a place in the quarter-finals for the third time in as many Euro competitions, leaves Joachim Low's side waiting for the winner of Monday's Round of 16 clash between Italy and Spain.

The result also upheld the country's brilliant defensive record as Germany enters the next phase of the competition as the only team yet to concede a goal.

It's an achievement the Germans will undoubtedly be proud of, but also one players likely won't boast about after a somewhat frustrating start in France.

First-half goals from Jerome Boateng and Mario Gomez put the match out of reach before Julian Draxler put the final nail in Slovakia's coffin with an uncontested volley inside the penalty area.

Germany wasted no time when Boateng put his foot through the ball and drove a low shot into the bottom corner of the Slovakian goal. Regardless of a slight deflection, it was a world-class strike from the centre-back, who managed to overcome a slight injury in time to play.

Mesut Ozil had a chance to put the match out of reach shortly after when Martin Skrtel's reckless challenge on Mario Gomnez inside the box led to a German penalty. German supporters, however, were left disappointed when the Arsenal midfielder's effort was confidently turned away by Matus Kozacik.

Slovakia came close to breaching the German defence when Juraj Kucka leaped above his marker and got on the end of a cross into the box, only to see Manuel Neuer pull off a great diving save.

Related - Watch: Neuer's diving save denies Slovakia equaliser

The Germans finally found a second when Julian Draxler's dazzling footwork and surge inside the Slovakian box ended with a pass to Gomez for the easy tap-in.

With just under a half-hour remaining, a visibly disenchanted Slovakian side looked like a beaten team no long after halftime, with Draxler virtually ending the contest when he thumped in a volley from close range to ensure victory.