It took Germany a little while to get rolling at Euro 2016 but the defending World Cup champions are right on track to contend for another title at a major competition. They’ll first have to get through a Slovakia team with a lot to prove as the countries clash in a round of 16 match on Sunday.
Germany advanced to the knockout stage after topping Group C with seven points, while Slovakia’s four points in Group B was good enough to send them through as one of the four best third-place finishers.
The Germans have struggled offensively for the most part, having scored just three goals during the group stage. However, it was Germany’s defense that carried them to the next round as Joachim Loew’s side has yet to concede a goal in the tournament.
“We only scored three goals, if you want to put it like that,” German defender Mats Hummels told dailymail.co. “But we didn’t concede one, so that’s a good basis for the rounds to come.”
These two countries met in an international friendly prior to the tournament, with Slovakia walking away with a 3-1 victory. In 28 previous meetings, Germany has dominated the head-to-head match with 17 victories while also outscoring their opponents 62-40.
Germany is a heavy favorite to win this game, but Bovada has a +225 line that they will take it by a one-goal margin. The way the German offense has been going in the tournament, that scenario seems logical. But keep in mind German strikers Thomas Muller and Mario Gomez, who have been rather quiet so far, can break the game open at any point. Muller is a +330 favorite to score the match’s opening goal and is pegged at +125 to score at any point of the game.
Slovakia may lack star power up front, but their depth at the forward position will keep the game close against Germany. Look no further than Marek Hamsik to score for Slovakia — Bovada has the Napoli midfielder at +650 to net his country’s opening marker.
Expect Germany to dominate the possession game, much like they have all tournament long. The Germans have a total of 21 shots on target compared to Slovakia’s seven. That will definitely come into play when the teams meet in the knockout round.
Germany is in another league, and even though the match will be close early on, expect the world champions to deliver a knockout blow to Slovakia.
Pick: Germany (-227)
Category : News
More articles...
The first clash between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder was an instant classic that ended in a draw. In the rematch, someone has to win, right? We preview the highly-anticipated grudge match and offer up a free prediction on the outcome!
The stars will align in Chicago for NBA All-Star weekend and we have a complete betting guide to the event. Make sure to read our advice on the Saturday contests and Sunday game before making a wager — you'll thank us later!
Jon "Bones" Jones — perhaps the greatest UFC fighter ever — returns to the octagon to headline UFC 247 against Dominick Reyes. We have a betting preview to that bout, along with others on the main card right here. Read this before making any UFC 247 wager!
The biggest night in Hollywood — the annual Academy Awards — is on Sunday, February 9. The very best films of 2019 will be honored and we have free betting picks to go along with it! So grab some popcorn, read our advice, and reap the rewards come Oscar's night!
Top Rated Sportsbooks
USA Sports Betting Sites
Some books will take U.S. players and some won't. You can find the full list of the best U.S. books right here.
Deposit Methods
From credit cards to Skrill to Western Union, there are tons of sportsboosk deposit options available to players.
Free Sports Betting Money?
They say there is no such thing as a free lunch but there is free money in sports betting. Seriously.
Please Bet Responsibly.
Visitors must be of legal gambling age. 
