7 Truths: Germany the best, don't believe the French hype (yet)

Being the best doesn’t guarantee they will win it – they may well need victories against Spain and France just to reach the final – but right now they are living up to their world champion billing. Nobody can match their combination of individual quality and teamwork. If Kroos doesn’t get you, Ozil will. Or Draxler. Thomas Muller has had a quiet tournament? No matter – there are plenty of others to pick up the strain. Speaking of Muller, his reaction on badly missing a headed first half chance was perfect, applauding Mesut Ozil’s perfect delivery and chastising his own failure. Who wouldn’t want him as a team-mate?

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Germany have not beaten Italy in eight attempts at World Cup and European Championships. In their most recent competitive encounter Mario Balotelli inspired the Azzurri to Euro 2016 semi-final victory; six years earlier late goals from Grosso and Del Piero knocked the hosts out of their own World Cup, also in the semis. England might have a phobia of playing Germany, but for Italy no such fear exists. As for Spain, they inflicted more semi-final misery at the 2010 World Cup, and beat them in the Euro 2008 final.

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When Martin Skrtel barged Mario Gomez in the box with Germany already one up and less than 15 minutes on the clock, things threatened to get seriously out of hand. But the excellent Matus Kozacik saved well from Mesut Ozil, and while the result was never exactly in doubt, Slovakia at least kept Germany honest with Juraj Kucka’s header forcing an excellent save from Manuel Neuer.

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Antoine Griezmann's goals were both beautifully-taken, and the way the second half of France's last-16 match against Ireland unfolded will put them back among the favourites for this tournament. But don't put your money on Les Bleus just yet: in the first half Ireland were far and away the better team, and it was only from around the time of Griezmann's strike that the match got away from Martin O'Neill's team. The Irish players were clearly out on their feet, having gone into a hot, humid early afternoon match off the back of just three and a half days rest – compared to almost a week for their opponents. With Paul Pogba still looking out of his depth and the defence eminently attackable, France still have a little way to go before they prove themselves worthy potential winners.

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After the last World Cup, plenty were ready to write off Belgium and suggest the “golden generation” tag was every bit the poisoned chalice it proved for England. Against Hungary, admittedly a relatively poor side, they finally looked like genuine dark horses for the tournament. Italy topped Group E but Belgium will feel that second place was a blessing in disguise – Wales lie in wait on Friday and Marc Wilmots’ side will believe they have what it takes Belgium to defeat Gareth Bale and co.

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After Saturday’s lack of action, many were ready to write Euro 2016 off as a defensive tournament with shades of Italia ’90. On Sunday, things were very different. Ireland’s clash with France was a bona fide classic while the two games later in the day showcased the most convincing attacking performances of the tournament so far. Long may it continue.

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So Ireland are on their way home. However, in 180 minutes of football against two of the leading lights of European football – Italy and France – they have produced two of their best performances in many a year.

Usually, a typical good Irish performance is built on solid, hard work. While Martin O’Neill’s men worked hard against both France and Italy, it was their composure that was most impressive. Every player to a man was willing to take the ball under pressure, and had a clear idea of what to do from there.

They may have ultimately fell short but they have something to build on. Now they must show said composure consistently.