Germany deploy proper striker but score just once

PARIS: Germany’s Mario Gomez scored in the first half to secure a 1-0 win over a stubborn Northern Ireland side and a place in the last 16 of Euro 2016 as Group

PARIS: Germany’s Mario Gomez scored in the first half to secure a 1-0 win over a stubborn Northern Ireland side and a place in the last 16 of Euro 2016 as Group C winners on Tuesday.

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The world champions dominated the game at Parc des Princes and had created several chances when Gomez, starting his first match in the tournament, earned the points with a deflected effort from inside the box on the half-hour.

Germany advance from the section with seven points from three games and a better goal difference than Poland, who beat already eliminated Ukraine 1-0 to qualify in second place.

Northern Ireland, making their first appearance at a European Championship, finished third on three points and may still reach the knockout stage as one the four best third-placed teams although their fate is out of their hands.

Jakub Blaszczykowski’s goal gave Poland a 1-0 win over Ukraine in their final Group C match and sent them into the knockout stages.

Blaszczykowski received the ball on the right side of the penalty area and cut inside cleverly before hitting a sweet left-foot shot into the far corner of the net.

Ukraine finished bottom of the group with no points.