At 19:00, the last match of Group C took place. Northern Ireland faced a serious challenge at the "Parc des Princes" stadium in Paris - a match against the world champions, the Germans.
Germany, who dominated the entire game, defeated Northern Ireland with a modest score of 1-0. However, Joachim Low's team managed to stay in first place in Group C despite the loss.
Starting line-ups:
Northern Ireland: McGovern; Hughes, Cathcart, McAuley, J.Evans; C. Evans, Davis, Norwood; Ward, Dallas, Washington.
Germany: Neuer; Kimmich, Boateng, Hummels, Hector; Khedira, Kroos; Müller, Ozil, Gotze; Gomez.
The beginning of the match was active. In the 7th minute, Thomas Muller had a great opportunity to put Germany ahead, but after a brilliant pass from Mesut Ozil, he failed to outsmart the opponent's goalkeeper in a one-on-one.
The German attacks on Northern Ireland's goal did not stop. In the 11th minute, two dangerous episodes occurred near their goal - Mario Gotze missed the target after being left unmarked, and defender Joshua Kimmich also missed the target with a strike just next to the post.
In the 22nd minute, T. Muller had another great opportunity to put Germany ahead - after a chest pass from Mario Gomez, the Bayern Munich striker, T. Muller's shot missed the target.
T. Muller's goal was cursed: just a few moments later, the German forward diverted the ball towards the post. However, in the 30th minute, after numerous attempts, T. Muller made a successful pass - Mario Gomez redirected the ball into the goal with a precise shot, giving Germany the lead of 1-0.
In the 34th minute, the ball hit the crossbar... From T. Muller's foot. Throughout the remainder of the first half, the Germans, who completely dominated the game, did not reach the second goal.
Germany started the second half powerfully. From the very first minutes, Northern Ireland's goal was under attack, but Mario Gotze and his teammates continued to waste chances.
Germany did not have such golden opportunities later on, but their ball possession did not diminish. Northern Ireland tried to create dangerous counter-attacks several times, but Manuel Neuer had no work in any of the cases.
In the 82nd minute, Mario Gomez had a great opportunity to end Northern Ireland's suffering. In the penalty area, after being "taken down" by a defender, J. Kimmich lifted the ball towards the striker, but his header was safely handled by Michael McGovern, who played reliably in this match.
In the second half, Joachim Low's team failed to score a second goal, but after the 1-0 victory, the Germans not only advanced to the quarterfinals, but also remained in first place. Poland also collected seven points, but Germany has a better goal difference.
Result:
Northern Ireland 0 - 1 Germany
30' [0 - 1] M. Gomez
Mesut Ozil was named the best player of the match.
Toni Kroos and Northern Ireland.
Tournament Group C standings:
1. Germany - Played: 3, Won: 2, Draw: 1, Lost: 0, Goals Scored: 3, Points: 7
2. Poland - Played: 3, Won: 2, Draw: 1, Lost: 0, Goals Scored: 2, Points: 7
3. Northern Ireland - Played: 3, Won: 1, Draw: 0, Lost: 2, Goals Scored: 2, Points: 3
4. Ukraine - Played: 3, Won: 0, Draw: 0, Lost: 3, Goals Scored: 0, Points: 0
