Germany's Mario Gomez scored in the first half to secure a 1-0 win over a stubborn Northern Ireland side and a place in the last 16 of Euro 2016 as Group C winners.

The world champions dominated the game at Parc des Princes and had created several chances when Gomez, starting his first match in the tournament, earned the points with a deflected effort from inside the box on the half-hour.

Germany advance from the section with seven points from three games and a better goal difference than Poland, who beat already-eliminated Ukraine 1-0 to qualify in second place.

Northern Ireland, making their first appearance at a European Championship, finished third on three points and may still reach the knockout stage as one the four best third-placed teams although their fate is out of their hands.