Germany 1 Northern Ireland 0: Michael O’Neill’s men through to second round of Euro 2016 despite defeat in Paris
Green and whites finish third in Group C but are guaranteed a place in the knock-out stages after Turkey win
NORTHERN IRELAND are guaranteed a place in the last 16 of Euro 2016 despite losing to Germany in their final group match.
A Mario Gomez goal consigned Michael O'Neill's side to a defeat that meant they finished in third place in Group C.
That left the Irish sweating on their future in the tournament - but Turkey's 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic meant the men in green were certain of making the knock-out stages of the tournament.
Unlike Roy Hodgson against Slovakia, Germany boss Joachim Low did not take any chances with his team selection and went with his strongest team.
And right from the start, Northern Ireland quickly discovered they were going to have to do everything in their power to contain their opponents.
And had it not been for some outstanding saves from goalkeeper Michael McGovern, the Irish could have been out of the game within the first half hour.
First he stayed by to block Thomas Muller's effort when clean through on goal, and then he reacted well to deny Mesut Ozil after the Arsenal star fluffed his shot.
Then the Hamilton goalkeeper produced another fine save, this time to deny Mario Gotze as Germany threatened to run riot at the Parc Des Princes.
The boys in green could not hold off the inevitable, though, and Germany opened the scoring on 29 minutes as they again carved through the defence.
This time there was nothing McGovern could do when Muller fed Gomez who saw his shot beat the despairing defenders and nestle in the back of the net.
Muller, who before the game had failed to ever score in a European Championship, was then denied his goal when he watched his shot cannon back off the crossbar.
Germany continued to dominate after the break but O'Neill's men defended for their lives knowing goal difference could prove vital in deciding if they would stay in the competition.
And they again had McGovern to thank for denying Germany a second, this time with a fine low stop to prevent Gomez heading into the bottom corner.
But the Irish offered little going forward as an attacking force, and must now find a way to get more of a cutting edge before they play in the last 16.
DREAM TEAM RATINGS
NORTHERN IRELAND: McGovern 7.Washington 5, Ward 6, Evans 6, Dallas 6, Norwood 6, Hughes 6, Evans 7, McAuley 6,Cathcart 6, Davis 6. SUBS: Lafferty for Washington 59, 5, Magennis for Ward 5, McGinn for Evans 84, 6.
GERMANY: Neur 7, Gotze 7, Khedira 7, Boateng 7, Hector 7, Kroos 9, Hummels 9, Kimmich 9, Muller 7, Gomez 8, Ozil 9. SUBS: Schurrle for Gotze 55, 6, Howedes for Khedira 69, 6, Schweinsteiger 69, 6.
STAR MAN - JOSHUA KIMMICH (Germany)