Germany cruised into the quarter finals of the Euros with a comprehensive 3-0 success over Slovakia and date with Italy or Spain in the next round.
At the end of a first half of unremitting pressure Germany deservedly went in at the break two goals to the good. It should have been three but for Mesut Ozil missing a penalty shortly after Boateng give them an early lead.
The first goal duly arrived on 8 minutes and even at this early stage the German team had signaled their intentions. From a Toni Kroos corner the ball fell to Boateng some 25 yards out and his low volley skidded into goal with the aid of a slight deflection.
Martin Skrtel then blatantly pushed Mario Gomez for an obvious penalty but Ozil was too casual with the spot kick and keeper Matus Kozacik guessed correctly to palm the ball away.
Germany continued to press and chances came and went as a hard pressed Slovakia defence struggled to contain their opponents.
The just as it seemed as if Slovakia would reach the break with just a one goal deficit came two defining incidents. First Juraj Kucka, with Slovakia's first attempt on goal, brought a fine save from but Manuel Neuer and then moments later Germany broke away and doubled their advantage.
Julian Daxler ghosted past Juraj Kucka to the by-line and then cut the ball back to the edge of the six-yard box for Gomez to apply the finish.
Slovakia started the second half more positive and Juraj Kucka's shot from 18 yards was hit straight into Manuel Neuer's arms as Germany struggled to find the rhythm of the first 45 minutes.
But normal service was resumed after 63 minutes. Mats Hummels won a header following a corner and the loose ball was volleyed high into the net from close range by Draxler.
The game then became damage limitation for Slovakia and a gentle training exercise for the Germans who had opportunities to make it four. However, overall they would be pleased with the result and performance and still have to concede in this tournament.
Euro 2016 - Round of 16
Germany: 3 (Boateng 8, Gomez 43, Draxler 63)
Slovakia: 0
Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille
