World Cup holders Germany will be hoping to follow up their success in Brazil with a win in the European Championships in France this summer, but Joachim Low’s side must first overcome a Marek Hamsik led Slovakia in the last-16 in today’s game.
Germany beat Ukraine and Northern Ireland and drew with Poland in the group stages to top Group C and set up a date with Slovakia, who qualified as one of the four best third-placed teams.
While Jan Kozak’s side could only win one match – a 2-1 victory over Russia – in the group stages, Slovakia did manage to stifle England and hold Roy Hodgson’s men to a goalless draw on Monday.
To add, Slovakia beat Germany 3-1 in a friendly game in Augbsurg just a month ago and, coupled with the fact that a Czechoslovakian side with several Slovaks beat West Germany in the European Championship final in 1976, Kozak’s men will hope they can pull off an upset and beat Germany.
But Low has thrown down the gauntlet and insisted Slovakia must improve on their showing against England if they want to beat Germany – a side that have not conceded in the tournament so far.
Team news and probable line ups
Bastian Schweinsteiger could make his first start of Euro 2016 against Slovakia, with Germany assistant coach Marcus Sorg confirming the Manchester United midfielder is back to full fitness following his recovery from a serious knee injury.
However, Jerome Boateng did not train on Wednesday after being brought off at the break against Northern Ireland with a calf injury.
“The stiffness in his muscle is declining, but I cannot tell the future,” Sorg said. “But we remain positive that he will play.”
Meanwhile, Slovakia midfielder Robert Mak faces a late fitness test to play on Sunday after picking up a hamstring problem against England while Peter Pekarik has also insisted his troublesome nose will not stop him from starting.
Germany possible starting XI: Neuer; Kimmich, Boateng, Hummels, Hector; Kroos, Khedira; Müller, Özil, Götze; Gomez.
Slovakia possible starting XI: Kozacvik; Pekarik, Skrtel, Durica, Hubočan; Kucka, Pecovsky, Mak, Hamsik, Weiss; Duda.
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