Germany 'must improve' on Slovakia win

Joachim Löw, Germany coach
Of course, like any other side, we've had our problems getting into the tournament because there are a lot of tactics in the group stage as teams can go through with three points. With all due respect to Slovakia, this is no pointer that we are going to dominate this tournament. We are still going to have to improve.

In fact we have to improve if we want to have a say in this tournament. We can't give our opponents any space in the next game and we have to take our chances as we won't get as many.

Both [Italy and Spain] are among the favourites; Italy are incredibly strong in defence and have a very good attack as we saw in the first two games. The Spanish have the best attacking game we've seen over recent years. The two sides differ but they are both real favourites.

• Match report and analysis from Stade Pierre Mauroy
• All the build-up, action and reaction as it happened

Mario Gomez is mobbed after his goal©Getty Images

Mario Gomez, Germany forward
It's never easy at this EURO because every team plays very defensively. This is the second match in a row where we've played against teams that stuck I don't know how many players behind the ball and we still managed to create chances. The versatility we have shown in the last two matches is fantastic. We have to keep this up. We need to score more goals and we could have today. But I believe we can be more than satisfied.

Ultimately, I'm just glad that the team and the coach trust me. I gave my all. It's never easy in this sort of game because you just have to try to find space in the penalty box even if there isn't any. The defence have also done a good job, even if the opposition had one or two chances. We still haven't conceded a goal. It's a lot of fun with this team.

Marek Hamšík, Slovakia midfielder
Well, it was difficult. It's a pity but when we look at what we have done, we can be proud of ourselves and happy about what we achieved. We are football dwarves compared to them, so we really enjoyed making it to the last 16. Chins up, take the positives and move on. We can build on this. Germany had the ball almost all the time so we could have played on the counter. In the first half we had one chance, but ... well, it's a pity.

Ján Kozák, Slovakia coach
They're a tournament side – they know when to start performing. Today I think they put in a great team performance and controlled the match. They deserved to win. Obviously any defeat is painful regardless of the opposition, but I think there's still a good feeling that we managed to get to the last 16 and play against the world champions.

There were several players who weren't at their best. When two or three players aren't fully focused on the game and don't follow instructions exactly it's difficult to do anything about it. This match has opened my eyes and given me an insight into my players' characters so it's been very instructive.

Slovakia applaud their fans after the final whistle©AFP/Getty Images