Gomez guarantees top spot for Germany
Making his first start of the tournament in attack, Mario Gomez found the target with almost half an hour gone, though subsequent German celebrations were tinged with relief after a plethora of chances had gone begging beforehand.
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 part in denying them.
In truth the scoreline could and should have been a lot more discernible with the Northern Irish offering next to nothing in attack. Germany threatened twice early in the second half but Götze again could not convert and was hauled off soon after.
Victory was never really in danger, though, and Joachim Löw's wish to play the next round in Lille was granted. Results later on Tuesdaymeant Northern Ireland got their wish, too.
Man of the match: Mesut Özil (Germany)
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