Skriniar’s Euro 2016 adventure ends against Germany

Milan Skriniar’s European Championship dream came to an end in the last 16 as Slovakia were beaten 3-0 by Germany on Sunday.

The Blucerchiati youngster, making his first competitive start for his national side, was fielded in the holding role and played the full 90 minutes but was unable to prevent the world champions from demonstrating their superiority.

Jan Kozak’s defensive approach didn’t pay off at the Stade Pierre Mauroy in Lille and Joachim Low’s team broke the deadlock just eight minutes into the encounter. Jerome Boateng caught the ball beautifully on the volley from outside the box and it flew into the bottom corner of the goal via a slight deflection off Skriniar.

Now having to chase the game, the Slovaks struggled to get into gear and almost found themselves 2-0 down minutes later when Martin Skrtel gave away a penalty. Matus Kozacik denied Mesut Ozil from the spot to keep the margin intact, but it seemed to be only a matter of time.

Indeed, after Juraj Kucka went close in the 41st minute, Mario Gomez doubled Germany’s’ lead two minutes before the interval.

Julian Draxler then put the contest beyond any doubt when he swung home on the volley just after the hour mark.

Despite exiting the tournament, Milan has gained a wealth of international experience from his involvement in France. A late inclusion to Kozak’s 23-man squad, the 21-year-old managed to force his way into the coach’s reckoning and made a second-half substitute appearance against England before getting the nod in the starting line-up against Germany.

It will all stand him in good stead when he returns to Sampdoria for the new season.

Well done, Milan!