Draxler dazzles as Germany cruise into last eight

Reuters: Germany’s Julien Draxler repaid the faith of coach Joachim Low with a dazzling display featuring a volleyed goal and an assist as they thumped Slovakia 3-0 to book a Euro 2016 quarter-final with holders Spain or Italy.

Brought in to replace the lacklustre Mario Goetze, the 22-year-old winger tormented Slovakia’s defence with his dribbling and quick feet, creating a first-half goal for Mario Gomez and scoring himself with a superb volley in the second.

“We know his capabilities. He has two magic feet and I’m happy for him that it led to a goal. He always gives for the side and I’m happy for him,” Gomez said of the Vfl Wolfsburg winger, who was instructed to take on his man by Loew.

Draxler added: “He (Loew) gave me a lot of self-confidence, trusted me and wanted me to search for a lot of one-on-ones.

“I think we were superior and well deserving of a victory. It was nice to be in front after the goal by Boateng. We could even afford not to score the penalty.”

Germany’s Julian Draxler scores the third goal - REUTERS