Euro 2016: How Germany dominated Slovakia in the Round of 16

Germany had struggled to get going in previous matches during Euro 2016, but that was not the case Sunday. Jerome Boateng gave Germany an early goal to build on, volleying a cleared corner into the back of the net.

After putting Germany ahead, Jerome Boateng sprinted directly toward Germany team doctor Dr. Hans-Wilhelm Müller Wohlfarth. The Germany defender had worked closely with the training staff last week after having to leave Germany's match against Northern Ireland with a calf issue.

Martin Skrtel may have been too eager when he pulled Mario Gomez in the box, allowing Germany to double the scoreline from the spot. However, Slovakian goalkeeper Mateo Kozacik got his hands just right when he saved Mesut Özil's penalty effort.

Germany pressured consistently throughout the first half, but Slovakia were able to get a strong chance on goal before halftime. Peter Pekarik had the quality cross up and Juraj Kucka had the quality header, but Manuel Neuer's quality was just too great as he stretched and tapped the shot over the bar.

Needing a new dynamic up top, Joachim Löw used Mario Gomez against Northern Ireland, and he elected the same strategy after Germany's success. The Besiktas striker rewarded his coach again against Slovakia, tapping in a Draxler cross to give Germany a 2-0 lead shortly before the break.

Making his third start of the tournament, Julian Draxler was out to prove to Joachim Löw that he deserved a regular spot in Germany's team. He certainly helped his case in the second half when he volleyed in a shot from the six-yard box off of a corner. Draxler certainly earned the man of the match award, collecting a goal and an assist in the contest.

Germany's comfortable 3-0 lead allowed Joachim Löw to use some of his squad players. Instead of giving young guns Leroy Sane, Julian Weigl and Jonathan Tah a chance, the Germany coach elected to give Lukas Podolski, Bastian Schweinsteiger, and Benedikt Höwedes a cap in what could be one of their last tournaments with Germany.