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Slovakia's Marek Hamsik during the Euro 2016 Group B soccer match between Russia and Slovakia at the Pierre Mauroy stadium in Villeneuve d’Ascq, near Lille, France, Wednesday, June 15, 2016. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
Slovakia's Marek Hamsik during the Euro 2016 Group B soccer match between Russia and Slovakia at the Pierre Mauroy stadium in Villeneuve d’Ascq, near Lille, France, Wednesday, June 15, 2016. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)Frank Augstein/Associated Press

Germany vs. Slovakia: Live Stream, Odds and Form Guide for Euro 2016

James DudkoJun 25, 2016

World Cup holders Germany haven't yet hit top gear at UEFA Euro 2016, so they should be wary about their last-16 meeting with Slovakia in Lille, France, on Sunday.

The latter qualified from Group B after beating Russia and taking a point off England. While they lack Germany's all-round talent, Slovakia do boast one genuine match-winner in the form of playmaker Marek Hamsik. His ability to outdo German schemers Mesut Ozil and Toni Kroos will be vital if Slovakia are going to produce an upset.

Before a preview, here is the form guide and streaming information, along with odds for the match:

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Date: Sunday, June 26

Time: 5 p.m. (BST) / 12 p.m. (ET)

Live Stream: ITV Player, WatchESPN

All odds via Odds SharkOddschecker and SmartBets.

TeamFormOdds
GermanyWDWWLW1-2. Draw, 10-3
SlovakiaDWLDWW9-1. Draw, 10-3

Preview

Germany have the slightly better form coming into the game, although it's notable their only loss in the last six matches came at the hands of Slovakia, a 3-1 defeat in Augsburg, back in May.

Hamsik was on the scoresheet that night, and he's been very influential at this tournament. The 28-year-old has been turning heads with his stylish displays, according to Luke Edwards of the Telegraph.

Another Telegraph article called the versatile midfield talisman one of the best players from the group stage. Controlling Hamsik will be Germany's top priority.

Their best bet will be keeping the ball away from him, and that will require another efficient display from Kroos. The Real Madrid man has completed 93 percent of his passes, per the tournament's official site.

But even with their usual dominance of possession, Germany still need to find more goals, after scoring just three in group stage action. It's an indictment of their lack of cutting edge that a very unlikely player has been the most willing to take on a shot, according to OptaFranz:

Not having a dedicated striker they trust is the root of Germany's issues up front. Manager Joachim Low has played target man Mario Gomez or midfielder Mario Gotze through the middle, but neither experiment has truly paid dividends.

It's time to move Thomas Muller off the flank and into central areas as he searches for a first goal at the tournament.

Given the uneven nature of their forward line, strong odds of 5-11 favouring a Germany win seem a tad generous, especially since Slovakia usually adopt a counter-attacking style and won't mind ceding possession.

Ultimately though, another narrow German victory seems the most likely outcome.

Prediction: Germany 1-0 Slovakia

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