Germany lead Northern Ireland 1-0 at half-time in Paris, with Mario Gomez breaking the deadlock for his side after a dominant first-half performance.
Gomez goal to give #GER the lead. pic.twitter.com/QrHa9kH1Jg
— Long Live Football (@LongLiveFooty) June 21, 2016
Despite a spirited defensive display from Michael O’Neill’s men, they were unable to keep the current World Cup holders out for the opening 45 minutes.
Thomas Muller was bitterly unlucky not to find the back of the net after hitting the woodwork twice, but he did well in the build-up to the goal as he produced the assist for Gomez.
As things stand, Germany will top Group C while Poland sit in second, with Northern Ireland in third spot and hopeful of being able to qualify with their three points.
Nevertheless, they will hope to at least take something from the game to put themselves in a stronger position, but that in turn comes with its own dangers as they will have to push forward and potentially leave holes in their backline.