Germany beat Northern Ireland to top Group C

Mario Gomez scored the only goal to help Germany beat Northern Ireland 1-0 in their last Group C match of Euro 2016 here on Tuesday.

The 30-year-old striker fired home from close range in th 30th minute after unselfish play inside the area by Thomas Muller, who laid it into his teammate's path to put the world champions ahead.

But Germany's superiority was actually far more than the scoreline has suggested.

In the 36th minute, Muller's instinctive first-time effort hit the Northern Ireland bar and in the second half Mario Gotze's chances were saved by Northern Ireland goalkeeper Michael McGovern.

McGovern, who plays for Scottish club Hamilton Academical, was undoubtedly Northern Ireland's Man of the Match as he single-handedly denied Germany eight goals during the match.

Germany, who drew with Poland 0-0 and beat Ukraine 2-0, topped Group C with superior goal difference against Poland.

Poland beat Ukraine 1-0 in the day's other match in Marseille. Endit