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Germany brushes Northern Ireland aside to secure top spot in Group C

Reuters

That was more like it.

Defending World Cup champion Germany put in its first dominant performance of Euro 2016 on Tuesday, defeating Northern Ireland 1-0 in a contest that would have been substantially more lopsided if not for a combination of the woodwork and 'keeper Michael McGovern.

Nonetheless, a 29th-minute goal from Mario Gomez, inserted into the starting lineup in place of Julian Draxler, was enough to see Die Mannschaft collect all three points, and in the process top Group C.

Related - Watch: Gomez moves 1 closer to German record with fortunate goal

Poland, who beat Ukraine by the same 1-0 scoreline in Marseille in the group's concurrent match, finished second in the section.

Related: Blaszczykowski's heroics help Poland top Ukraine, book last-16 spot

Joachim Low's side will now turn its thoughts to a last-16 tie against either Albania, Slovakia or the third-place team in Group F - which is yet to conclude - in Lille on Sunday.

Michael O'Neill's Northern Ireland, meanwhile, must wait to have its qualification confirmed.

The Group C underdog ultimately finished third, but a 2-0 win over Ukraine last week puts Northern Ireland in a strong position to go through as one of the four best third-place teams.

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