Germany to pip Slovakia

Germans were underwhelming in their group stages. Their striker woes were evident and key players failed to create an impact. Mario Gotze wasn’t a natural striker and using him as a false nine backfired for the Germans. Assist master Mesut Ozil barely had an influence in the game, so was Thomas Muller. The Germans would want their top players at the best of their game against Slovakians, who showed in the group stages that weren’t pushovers. Mario Gomez isn’t Miroslav Klose but he is a decent enough striker and Coach Joachim Low doesn’t seem to trust him enough. However, his exploits against the Irish weren’t unnoticed and he would likely lead the German attack. The joy of defender Mats Hummels being fit was marred by the reports that his partner in defence Jerome Boateng was nursing an injury. Meanwhile, the German captain Bastian Shweinsteiger is fit and it remains to be seen whether he will replace Sami Khedira in the midfield. If that would be the case, he along with Tony Kroos will control the pace and tempo of the game. Marek Hamsik was one of the most exciting players to watch in the Italian Serie A, however, Jan Kozak’s all defensive tactics stifled his creativity. The very fact that he sat deep in his own half in the game against England stands a testimony as how defensive the Slovakians were. They will definitely take inspiration from their performance against England and will look to sit deep and break on the counter. However, Germans aren’t an easy team to hit on the counter, as they pride in retaining possession. The Slovakians will have will have very less opportunities and they have to be clinical in using them, if they are looking for a positive result. Martin Skrtel and Duric were imperious in the defence for the Slovakians and the Germans will have to show their lethal touch to score. I am going for a 2-0 victory with Ozil and Muller coming good for Germans.