Germany vs. Slovakia: Date, Time, TV Schedule and Live Stream for 2016 Friendly
Germany continue their buildup to Euro 2016 as they play Slovakia in an international friendly at the WWK Arena in Augsburg, Germany, on Sunday.
Slovakia promise to provide a tough test for Joachim Low's unit, who are also on their way to the finals in France after finishing second to Spain in qualifying.
The Slovaks won seven of their 10 qualifying games in Group B, amassing 22 points as they stormed to the finals.
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Here is how you can watch this intriguing friendly contest:
Date: Sunday, May 29
Time: 4:45 p.m. BST (11:45 a.m. ET)
Venue: WWK Arena, Augsburg, Germany.
Live Stream: BT Sport App (U.S.), Watch ESPN (U.S.)
TV Info: BT Sport 2 and HD (U.K), ESPN 3 (U.S)
Germany Struggle for Form Ahead of Euro 2016
It has been a confusing period for Germany since they were victorious on Brazilian soil, lifting the World Cup in a convincing fashion.
As the Germans enter their match with Slovakia, it is the visitors who have the better recent record, winning four of their last six, compared to the hosts' three victories over the same period—according to Sky Sports.
In that spell, Germany have lost to England, France and the Republic of Ireland, giving Low much to consider in the coming weeks before they travel to the finals.
The world champions lost out to Italy in the semi-finals of the Euros four years ago and were runners-up back in 2008; now they hope their success can extend to the continental stage, and there are few who would confidently back them when you assess their pedigree.
Pundit Michael Owen believes the Germans will cruise through their group into the latter rounds, telling Dave Masters of the Mirror they will prove way too strong for Poland, Northern Ireland and Ukraine.
Owen stated:
"Their record in major tournaments at reaching semi-finals and finals is second to none. I think they’re just as strong as their World Cup winning side of two years ago and despite people calling this the group of death I don’t foresee too many problems here for the Germans and they’ll finish top.
"
Sky Sport's Thierry Henry was more cautious about Germany's chances, though he expects them to go deep into the tournament in France:
"I wouldn't say anything other than a win would be failure but people are expecting them to win. They are the world champions and they usually go to the semi-finals or finals.
I would say there is one thing missing in that puzzle: a great striker. They always used to have a great striker, but they have had to recall Mario Gomez to the national team and that tells you a lot.
"
Slovakia have been drawn in England's group at Euro 2016 and have the tools to cause a major nation a shock.
The Repre have a solid spine, supported by captain Martin Skrtel, and have comfortably dealt with opponents in the past two years, including a win against Switzerland.
Low has stuck with his tried and tested formula for the championships but has also included fresh blood alongside Manchester United's Bastian Schweinsteiger, who has missed the end of the season because of an injury.
Julian Weigl of Borussia Dortmund, Julian Brandt of Bayer Leverkusen and Joshua Kimmich of Bayern Munich have been surprise inclusions by Low, with Leroy Sane of Schalke also present, according to the Associated Press (via the Mail Online).
Low said about his selection, per the Associated Press:
"We're fully convinced of each one. I've no tendency toward striking anyone out.
[...]
Besides the sporting worth, the personality of the players is important. It's something special at a tournament, it's about more than just playing football, it's about the team. This has helped us before, when players drop out, Ilkay Gundogan for example, that they can be replaced. The collective is more important than the individual player.
"
Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno is due to make his debut for Germany against Slovakia, with Manuel Neuer expected to be rested, according to Mark Meadows of media outlet Deutsche Welle. Sane is also expected to get a chance to impress in the friendly.
Germany have a plethora of top goalkeepers queueing up behind the Bayern superstar, and Low will want to look at his reserve options on Sunday, including the youthful talent on the fringes.
Despite their strange form, Germany are the ultimate tournament team, and they kick into gear just when they need to most.
They are not motivated by friendlies and games which lack competition. When the Euros begin, Low's side will be hungry for silverware once again.
