Gomez goal see Germany go through – Northern Ireland v Germany EURO 2016

Group C

Northern Ireland 0-1 Germany

Germany progressed to the last 16 of  EURO 2016 with a narrow but deserved victory against Northern Ireland, who must wait to learn whether they make it through as one of the best third-placed finishers.

Germany’s class was evident from kickoff as they immediately began to test the Northern Irish defence. Thomas Müller, Mesut Özil and Mario Götze all missed glaring opportunities – Müller hitting the post and bar – though credit must go to Northern Ireland goalkeeper Michael McGovern for his role in denying them.It was not all one-way traffic. Washington had a chance on the counter-attack to square it to captain Steven Davis in the box but he dithered and the chance was gone. Jamie Ward then tested Manuel Neuer with a low shot from 30 yards after dispossessing Gotze on the halfway line.Muller was involved when the goal eventually came on the half hour. He took another Ozil pass in his stride, held off Craig Cathcart, Aaron Hughes and McGovern to tee up Gomez, whose shot took a deflection off McAuley on the way in.

McGovern produces one of a number of brilliant saves.
McGovern produces one of a number of brilliant saves.

McGovern was in action again soon after the restart and produced the best save of the night as he spread himself to keep out Gotze’s close-range effort. The Bayern Munich man missed another chance at the front post before being replaced by Andre Schurrle.The German pressure eased as half wore on but McGovern could not rest easy as he dived across to his left to get his fingertips to a powerful downward header from Gomez. In the end Germany settled for a one goal win that saw them take top spot in the group ahead of Poland.

Man of the Match – Mesut Ozil (Germany)

Substitutions:

Northern Ireland –

  • Kyle Lafferty replaces Conor Washington 59 mins
  • Josh Magennis replaces Jamie Ward 70 mins
  • Niall McGinn replaces Corry Evans 84 mins

Germany

  • Andre Schuerrle replaces Mario Goetze 55 mins
  • Bastian Schweinsteiger replaces Sami Khedira 69 mins
  • Benedikt Hoewedes replaces Jerome Boateng 76 mins

Yellow cards:

Northern Ireland – None

Germany –  None

 

 

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