Northern Ireland vs. Germany: Score and Twitter Reaction from Euro 2016

Germany made easy work of Northern Ireland in Group C at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday, winning 1-0 as they dominated territory and possession in their final group-stage game at UEFA Euro 2016. 

The Northern Irish offered little as they chased an equaliser after Mario Gomez's 29th-minute opener, but their fans sang their hearts out from the Parisian stands.

The Germans progressed into the knockout round as group winners on goal difference, while Northern Ireland finished third in the standings.

Thibault Camus/Associated Press

Michael O'Neill once again chose Conor Washington ahead of Kyle Lafferty as Northern Ireland's striker, with Jamie Ward and Stuart Dallas providing a threat from out wide.

Joshua Kimmich was given a start at right-back for Germany, with Benedikt Howedes dropping out of the starting XI. Gomez was given the nod to start up top, with Mario Gotze, Mesut Ozil and Thomas Muller lying in support.

The Irish showed a modicum of intent from the opening minutes, as their supporters won the singing battle in the ground. However, the Germans remained controlled and bossed territory as their opponents tried to break quickly in midfield on the counter-attack.

Journalist Oliver Holt commented on the atmosphere in Paris:

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Germany stayed on the front foot despite Northern Ireland wildly swinging punches as they tried to land a deathly blow.

Football writer Tom Williams spoke of O'Neill's team's dangerous tactics as the world champions advanced with ease:

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The Green and White Army were finally punished shortly before the half-hour mark when Muller burst inside the box, unselfishly finding Gomez, who slotted the ball home.

The Irish were rocking five minutes later, as Muller rattled the bar after a smart passing move from Joachim Low's unit. 

Toni Kroos and Sami Khedira comfortably dictated play from midfield, as Northern Ireland hung on for dear life, sinking deeper and deeper.

The British side appeared completely out of their depth as Gomez went close again. Germany's fluid play was too much for Northern Ireland, who appeared punch-drunk and out of contention for the points.

OptaJohan highlighted Gomez's efforts at the Euros:

The Northern Irishmen were only one goal down as the referee blew the half-time whistle, but there could have been an avalanche of strikes for Low's side if the Germans had been more clinical.

BBC Match of the Day highlighted the difference in class between the two teams:

WhoScored.com provided the player ratings during the break, including the first-half match statistics:

Despite being well-beaten as the first half rushed to its conclusions, it was Northern Ireland who dominated the noise in the stadium, as shared by Copa90.

Their vocal performance was certainly the best element of the day for Northern Ireland in the Group C game:

Germany should have doubled their lead in the opening seconds of the second half, but Gotze fired his close-range shot at stopper Michael McGovern, who spread himself to deny the Bayern Munich star.

The attacker had a second opportunity moments later but was once again lacking when it came to his finishing prowess. Gotze was quickly substituted by Low after his misses, as Andre Schurrle rose from the bench to take his place after 55 minutes.

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The Irish made brief raids into German territory as the second half developed, but the world champions looked like they could pull the goal trigger at any point, peppering McGovern.

Lafferty was brought on by O'Neill as he hunted a shock equaliser, desperate to strengthen his weak attack. Jonny Evans watched his header flash over goalkeeper Manuel Neuer's crossbar from a corner, but Northern Ireland failed to consistently worry their classy opponents.

ESPN's Alex Shaw questioned whether popular player Will Grigg would see minutes:

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Germany cruised through the closing minutes of the tie, as Northern Ireland accepted the result with little resistance.

Irish fans will be disappointed their team didn't role the dice in the second half, but they looked physically tired and well-beaten.

It was a comfortable day at the office for Germany, and if they had found their shooting boots, it could have been an awful day for Northern Irish football. However, they looked toothless in the box despite plenty of chances and will need to improve in the knockout round to progress further against the best nations.

Post-Match Reaction

O'Neill said he was proud of his men after they restricted Germany to a solitary goal in Paris, per ITV Football:

Northern Ireland must now wait to see if results fall in their favour as they hope to qualify for the knockouts as the best third-placed side.