Northern Ireland v Germany Match of the Day Live

Remember... What a goal! Remember the signs... Northern Ireland have

done it! Say them to yourself, when you wake in the morning and when you

lie down at night. What lies ahead for this group of players is the

opportunity to make their own legacy. Whatever strange things may

happen to you, let nothing turn your mind from following the signs. Take

care it does not confuse your mind and the signs which you have learned

here will not block at all as you will expect them to luck when you

meet them. That's it, from McAuley! Gareth McAuley for Northern Ireland!

That is why it is so important to know them by heart. The world

champions start with a victory. Remember the signs, believe the

signs. Victory for Northern Ireland! Nothing else matters. This is a

little piece of Northern Ireland footballing history! You have come

far... But your journey lies beyond. After Wales and England qualified

for the last 16 last night, today is the chance for Northern Ireland to

continue their fairy tale. Their win over Ukraine last Thursday was their

first at a major tournament since 1982. Michael O'Neill's side face

the world champions, Germany, in Paris. Joachim Low's side are

looking to complete the World Cup and Euros double, but I yet to hit

top form. The other teams in the group meet in Marseille, Poland also

have the chance to top the group and face Ukraine, yet to register a

single point. Ukraine are out. You can watch that on the BBC sport

website app or on the red button. This is how the group looks going

into the games today. A win for Northern Ireland would see

them reach the last 16, a draw would be enough, even if they end up

third. Defeat would give them a chance, as long as it wasn't a heavy

one. But they would have to wait on other results for that. We have

former Northern Ireland captain Neil Lennon, Jens Lehmann and Alan

Shearer. This is what they call a real test? The biggest test of them

all. I think the whole country will be tuned in, half of them are here

in Paris, judging by the scenes we have seen coming into the studio. It

is monumental in the history of the country. Off the back of a fantastic

performance against Ukraine, this is the acid test. It doesn't come much

harder than this. Northern Ireland have history against Germany, or

West Germany to be precise. You have to go back to 1984, two qualifying

games, did the double? Iain Stewart and Norman Whiteside scored. We had

some success in 86, we drew 1-1 in Nuremberg. Michael has brought them

back. I'm not going to say it is going to happen today, we need to be

at our best and we need Germans do have an off day. What have you made

of the German performances so far? A little bit disappointed, we were not

used to the team that won the World Cup two years ago, and now they are

lacking some freshness and pace. It was hard to win against the Ukraine.

And then only a draw against the Polish, for our standards that was a

bit disappointing. In many ways, you are spoiled? You are used to so much

success. We complain about our team, but we are realistic. You won the

World Cup two years ago, things aren't that bad? Yes, but it was 24

months ago! It's a drought in Germany! Such hard times(!) We took

a breather and now we are expecting something. A winning mentality, how

do you think this will Shaper? It is a miracle Northern Ireland are here,

that was their first ambition, to get here. They did that. The other

ambition was to take to the last game, give themselves an

opportunity. They have done that, so they deserve great credit. They need

everybody... They need seven or eight to put in a ten out of ten

performance and they need the German team to have a bad day. But they

will enjoy it, whatever. They are in with a shout, so it's a fantastic

opportunity. Let's look at the line-ups.

McGovern in goal, the 31-year-old a free agent this summer his contract

expired at Hamilton. The defence anchored by McAuley, the only man

who appeared in all of the qualifiers for his country. Davis is

one of five midfielders. The Southampton man is earning his 86th

cap. Washington continues up front instead of Lafferty. He has been

dubbed Northern Ireland's Jamie Vardy, he was playing non-league

football just four years ago. The original sweeper keeper, Neuer is in

goal for Germany. The 30-year-old is yet to concede a goal at the

tournament. Boateng and Hummels continue at centre-back. They will

be team-mates at Bayern Munich next season. 21-year-old Kimmich comes in

at right back. Midfielder Khedira is one of three Germans that have been

booked. Another yellow card would see him suspended for the last 16.

The misfiring Gomez plays on the left of the attacking three, having

previously being deployed as a false nine. Gomez gets his first start of

the tournament. Michael O'Neill is only the third manager to guide

Northern Ireland to a major tournament finals. They lost out to

Poland in their opening game before the victory over Ukraine. He has

been speaking to Stephen Watson. Three points already, which may or

may not be good enough to see you through, do you stick or twist? I

don't think you can stick, you know, in the sense that you would just sit

behind the ball and just not try and come out and play. The Germans will

pin us back regardless. They did it to Poland, Ukraine, they do it to

most teams they play against. I saw them playing recently and they were

4-0 up after 60 minutes, that will give you an indication of the

quality they have in their squad. We have to set the team up to be

difficult to beat. We have to try to carry and attacking threat as well.

We can only approach the game as a one off game and try to get as much

as we can out of it. Hopefully that will be enough to get us through to

the next phase of the tournament. You are within touching difference

of the new -- distance of the knockout phase is, how big is this

for you and your players? It's massive for us and the players, we

could have just said it was nice to be here, we never wanted to do that.

We recovered from the disappointment of losing the first game to win the

second. We now have a chance of going into the round of 16, massive

success for a country of our size. But we have really good players in

our group, we have a real strength and togetherness in the group as

well. We just want to stay in the tournament as long as we can. He is

sticking with the back four that he used in the second match, the

victory against Ukraine, no real surprises? What you saw was that

Northern Ireland qualified through the group, tinkered going into the

tournament, the loss of Chris Brunt, the recognised left-back, made him

rethink his strategy with the back three. It didn't work against

Poland. He's gone back to the formation that got us through. It's

built on a really strong defensive foundation. A shift in thinking for

the Germans, they have an out and out striker, Mario Gomez? His first

appearance after Euro 2008. It's a little bit surprising to me, because

he had different options, Muller, putting him in the front position,

now he is against tall Northern Ireland guys and he plays Gomez. I'm

not sure if that is the right approach. We can go pitch side, and

Stephen Watson is with representatives from Northern

Ireland, new and old alike. Chris Brunt played eight top

Northern Ireland's ten qualifiers but is sadly injured. Gerry

Armstrong played in two World Cups for Northern Ireland in 1982 and

1986. Northern Ireland have beaten Germany twice in history,

back-to-back in the early 80s. You were part of that squad. What do

they need to do today that you did back then to have success? Exactly

the same thing they did against the Ukraine, take the game to them,

press them, close them down. Don't allow them time on the ball. We know

they have good technical players, they are world champions. If you

impose yourselves on them, with the way we did in the last game, I think

we can get something. Chris, you spent a lot of time with your

team-mates during Euro 20, how are they feeling about this big

occasion? I think they are just looking forward to it, the build-up

between the games, they have had longer to recover than between the

first two. That will help. The lads put a huge amount of effort into the

game against Ukraine, hopefully that will play into our hands. Who do you

expect to step up? We are under no illusions, it's going to be

difficult. You are looking at the back four, Michael McGovern, the

players that were fantastic in the last game, the players that put bite

and energy into it. We are looking for more of the same, get after

them, get better on the ball than we did against Poland. Can they spring

a surprise, like you did all those years ago? I think so, the

Conference is good. Looking at the players coming out of the park, they

are not frightened. They are relishing the challenge. The key for

me, the two wide players have to get back and support the full-backs,

make it difficult for the Germans. Thank you. Northern Ireland and

Germany have only met once before in a major finals, in the World Cup in

1958. They drew on that occasion and Northern Ireland will be happy with

that result today, I am sure. They certainly would. Southwest

Paris, the stadium has a capacity of 40 8000. A large number of those

inside will be from the green and white army. It's been a long time

coming and they are making the most of their trip to France. Windsor

Park erupts! Belfast is going to go wild tonight. Northern Ireland are

there, they have done it! Day three, Judgment Day in terms of whether you

get out of the group, let's go back to the beginning. What was the

feeling like when you knew you were coming to France? As the qualifiers

went on, the belief and hope build-up for the entire nation. To

be here in is just unbelievable. I remember phoning the boys to

organise tickets to get here, it is unreal that we are actually here,

competing. Paris, beautiful city, what has it been like as fans? It's

one of the best cities in the world, some sightseeing, the weather has

not been brilliant but we are used to the weather. Hopefully the boys

can do it tonight. We get to the matches, first up, Poland? Poland

are a strong side, we are a bit disappointed in the performance, but

a good result for them at the end of the boat. Then Ukraine? Culled

absolutely brilliant, that was our World Cup final. The first goal,

when the cross came in, it was slow motion. The place just went mental.

The second goal, it was just party time, party time. Party time, but it

brings you to the brink of going through to the knockout stages. But

it is the world champions you have to get past? Germany are always

going to be a formidable side. I work with a lot of German guys, I

might get fired if we beat them! Win, lose or draw, the whole of

Europe will be in awe of Northern Ireland. The other two home nations

are through, can Northern Ireland make the trio? Absolutely, I think

it is in the bag already, just looking for who we are getting next!

He is the player that has been sung the most and he hasn't kicked a ball

yet! And the player they are saying is like Jamie Vardy? Yes, similar

story. Four years ago he was a postman. Now he is delivering on the

pitch! He set the tone straightaway, this is from the kick-off against

Ukraine. Energy, high pressing. They come with him, he took the midfield

with him. Put him under pressure. He has a physical presence. Plays

really well with his back to goal. We are going to need this, because

we are going to be under pressure, we will need an out ball. We're

hoping that he can produce the same performance as in Ukraine. He got us

up the pitch, which is what we didn't do against Poland. He's a bit

raw, he's still got a lot to learn about the game, but really good

fundamental attributes. This is very good, this is Alan Shearer-esque.

Kicked him in the head? You're going to need that, if you're going to get

a goal, that is where you are going to get it from. I spoke to Les

Ferdinand about Conor, with him being at QPR, he thinks he will be a

player. There will be doing a lot of defending, that is for sure.

McAuley, crucial? Crucial, experienced, good in both boxes,

which is crucial. Fantastic attitude, a leader. They will need

him, putting in a huge performance today. Clever, there. Right

position, taking his position, the middle of the goal. Near the post,

organising, you will need him to play well.

He can cover the ground OK. Is he fast? No. If he is not fast you have

a problem. We will have problems anyway. The opponents of Germany

drop deep. When you drop deep for the whole game, you will get a

problem sooner or later. That's what he can do. If they are going to get

three kicks, with the Norwood delivery, he could be key. Are there

any German weaknesses perhaps Northern Ireland could exploit?

Don't worry no-one for Northern Ireland is watching? I have been sat

downstairs for him for half an hour, he is hammering the German players.

I'm thinking - what are we doing wrong? They are lacking freshness.

Some of them came out of injury. You know when you don't pick up your

rhythm early enough ahead of a tournament, you have a problem.

Because at the end of the season to play a high-demanding competition

like that is not easy. And what is different now for us, we can't

pressure or we can't put pressure on the flanks. So we are not really

dangerous on the flanks. Our right and left back, they are not really

used to dribbling ina going past people. -- and going past. I don't

think we can put it aside like we did against Ukraine. Germly will

pick us up. We will have to sit in and pick up pressure. But Northern

Ireland are good at doing that. Dan Walker has been taking a peak inside

Joachim Low's camp. There is a spot of bother although

German HQ. Thursday's disappointing draw against Poland has brought into

sharp focus the difference between the current crop and the conquerers

of Brazil. One player, however, remains key. He wrecks wrecks

Schweinsteiger. Dump Herr Schweinsteiger.

He is still inspiring his country. COMMENTATOR: Schweinsteiger. Goal.

Joachim Low says he remains the heartbeat of the side. Even when he

is on the bench. Always as you young player, you look up to the guys who

have had already a couple of tournaments under their belts and

they know when it matters. They know when to zoom in and get everybody on

the same page. To win a tournament takes an incredible amount of hunger

and willingness to go through difficult moments, to stick together

as a group. Also, like every national team, they have issues.

They have the problem of Philipp Lahm, the captain resigned. There

isn't anyone really near his level. The team dynamics have to

recalibrate around new players. New players will be more influential,

others might be less so as a result. Balance is what Joachim is digging

low for. Step forward, the new signing, Mats Hummels, ready to

break Northern Ireland hearts. The rest of Europe is also searching

for the chink in their armour. The Germans are convinced they don't

have any. Interesting, Joachim Low doesn't

like that criticism, especially about the leaders. He said they said

that two years ago and they went on to win the World Cup, they had a lot

of leaders and now they are saying we don't have leaders any more I

wouldn't say they don't have leaders. This is a team of great

character n my opinion, because they became World Champion but now in

this tournament, because of the character, and because of the fist

game they didn't lose the second. But it is the manager at times,

himself, who has to lead by example, and not what he has shown us before.

I think he is too relaxed now and that could actually, that could

influence his players, approaching the games in the same way. OK.

Obviously Germany have problems upfront, no natural - I suppose

in-form goal scorer but Gomez has come in. So different this time.

They are going with one, an out and out striker. They had Gotze in. It

wasn't quite as sharp as I thought it was. They were reluctant to put

things into the box, hold-up play I thought was pretty poor. It is hard

it criticise because he doesn't really want to be up there. I think

the centre forward there would hold that up, bring other team-mates into

the game. What great threat. They weren't able it get hold of a ball

up there. If he is going to put balls up there like that, he is not

the guy to do that. Different questions again today. Again short

on the touch. No link-up play. Three or four touches and gets taken off

him. This will be the difference today with Gomez in the middle. That

should actually be today but I think the ball will be there today and

they have a natural striker to be prepared to go and attack it and go

and head the ball. I think from what they lose in touch and technique and

quality they have got, there will be more of a presence in the bobbing

today. And interesting, Thomas Muller you talked about before. In

the European Championships, he has gone seven games without scoring a

goal or an asi.s maybe he is a World Cup specialist. -- or an assist. He

is probably not as well known in Europe. He saves his goals for the

World Cup. He is dangerous in the position we expect him to be now,

behind the centre forward. A council trif Germany's I willk and tradition

and power, they are not producing centre forwards any more. -- a

country of Germany's ilk. Klose, he was there. They are

producing midfield players. . He looked genuine then. One thing I

have to say, they will put a bit of pressure on Kroos, he will run the

show otherwise. He did in the first two games but he was allowed to. It

is easier said than done. They have to get close to him, stop him

dictating the play, both short and long. He is the guy that - he is

like a fantastic quarterback, he will get the ball off the two centre

halves, dictate play, short and long, they will have to be wary of

him. Someone will have to get closer to him to stop him doing that.

Northern Ireland have enjoyed famous victories in their history. This,

surely, would be their biggest. A big shout out to the Northern

Ireland boys. Gareth McAuley Northern Ireland. We are all at home

rooting for you Let's dig in and get into the knockout stages and do a

bit of damage, lads. Victory for Northern Ireland. They are the green

boys, all the best. The celebrations can again. Come on, Northern

Ireland! # Your comem Taitors for Northern

Ireland against Germany the Parc des Princes, Gerry Armstrong and

Jonathan Pearce. JONATHAN PEARCE: It is not often I

find myself disagreeing with that county Londonderry-born poet, Seamus

Heaney but anyone born and bred in Northern Ireland can't be too

optimistic. From Belfast to Bushmills they will

be hoping from the hotels in pars and sleeping rough, they have seen

them all here, they have been dreaming. Is there anyone left back

in Northern Ireland, I wonder? The whole country seems to be here in

Paris, roaring and above all, believing. Can those boys waiting in

the tunnel there, summit up the summer of Valencia and the '82 Cup

win over Spain. As long as they avoid defeat they should go through

as one of the best-placed third siends more than likely they will

have a crack at hosts France in Lyon if that happens. Account players who

started off at -- can the players who started off the Enniskillen

United and Five Mile Town United, hold firm and get an epic result

against the World Champions? It is a German squad worth nearly ?500

million. Against a Northern Ireland, on paper now, 5% of that. But the

supporters are here, those players will be worth all the money in the

world to them if they can play it off. Germany haven't conceded a goal

here but they have looked at the other end. What an atmosphere? It is

fantastic to see. The sets of fans and the atmosphere, well, brilliant

right throughout the tournament. The Northern Ireland fans, there's about

25,000 of them here in Paris and they are making themselves heard.

German fans have been given the flags to wave.

They are representing the national colours.

We will await the national anthems. # Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit

Fur das deutsche Vaterland # Danach lasst uns alle streben

Bruderlich mit Herz und Hand # Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit

Sind des Gluckes Unterpfand # Bluh' im Glanze dieses Gluckes

Bluhe, deutsches Vaterland. # # Bluh' im Glanze dieses Gluckes

Bluhe, deutsches Vaterland. # They look strong, they always look

big. They look confident. APPLAUSE

I wonder if we will see Aaron Hughes in Michael O'Neil's line-up there,

20 years after his zreerted in Newcastle. Rory McIlroy there, flown

in today to support the team. His long career, Aaron Hughes. 600

games. Booked just 11 times. One of football's gentlemen. A big decision

to name an unchanged side. The midfield five, all about

tenacity and worth ethic. A few years ago, Dallas was playing for

?70 a week. #

It is one of THE football stories. The French referee, we will see in a

few moments' time, Clement Turpin. He will meet the Northern Ireland

captain, Steven Davis, two years' younger than Hughes in the Northern

Ireland team. He with saw him here previously

refereeing the Hungary game. Snr following in the foots of

Blancheflower, Sammy McIlroy, in leading his nation.

Gomez, as expected, getting that first start. Only his sixth

appearance in three years. 28 goals he has scored in Turkey. Ozil

dropping deeper. Draxler has been dropped to the bench. Confirmation

of that bench for Northern Ireland. Will Grigg is there. Will he be on

fire, as the song goes? Northern Ireland will kick off. In the green,

kicking from left to right on a pitch prepared by a man from County

Antrim. Messi and Neymar have said this is the best pitch they have

ever played on. He is disappointed with it, he says it is the worst

rain in Paris since 1932 which has not helped. Straightaway on the

attack, the diagonal ball aimed towards Stuart Dallas. A fantastic

athlete. He will have to work harder to support the full-backs and

prevent Germany getting behind them. Does this take you back? Can you

feel 82, 86? I can, I can feel the spirit. I felt that in the

qualifiers, when they were winning away in Hungary and Greece, this is

a team that Michael has started to develop. Look at this, the

determination. You may be able to feel 82 and 86 in those memory

banks, the World Cup finals, some of us simply feel 82! It is going to be

a German throw which drops in short to Aaron Hughes.

He has been so steady over the years, as has this man, Gareth

McAuley. Big G, they call him. Dallas, so creative this season. 53

chances created for him. This is good, a positive start, exactly the

same as against Ukraine. Not sitting back, taking the game to the

Germans. Trying to impose themselves on the opposition. Two wins against

Germany, they came in qualifying for the 84 Euros, the only time someone

has beaten West Germany home and away, or Germany, in a qualifying

game. Are you surprised he hasn't gone

with the five? He might have thought about it. He's a very clever

manager, Michael O'Neill. He has thought it inside and out, worked

out the permutations, this is what he came up with. You have to trust

him, after the last game, not the five changes, but his substitutes,

coming on to score the second goal, a master class. Could work out to be

a back six, if Germany push the full-backs high, that is what they

started to do. Actor on the left-hand side, looking for the

right back, pushing up. Kimmich, brought in by George -- Joachim Low.

The groundsman, I was chatting to him earlier, I think it is in

fantastic condition, the pitch. Well done, Jonathan. He was recommended

to Paris St Germain by Gerard Houllier. He thought he was the best

groundsman in the world of football. He worked at Yeovil, Wembley,

studying in London. He was at Bulls for a long while. He did his

apprenticeship in several places and now he is on the big stage. A bit

like the players. They knew stage for some of the Irish players,. -- a

new stage. Looking for Toni Kroos, he has

attempted 224 passes in these finals. And he has completed 208. An

unbelievable statistic. I watch him most weeks, playing for Real Madrid.

A fabulous player. The formation, 4-2- 2-1. Defensive minded players.

He can pass a ball. Most of the passes from Kroos go to Hector, the

left-back. Centre-backs play into him and he looks at the full-backs.

Northern Ireland will have to watch for that.

Aaron Hughes, recalled by Michael O'Neill.

He looked for Corry Evans. His brother, Johnny, was in tears after

victory over the Ukraine. But he says he is a bit stronger

emotionally. The first brothers to play for

Northern Ireland. They really have solved their

full-back position over the last few years, it was problematic for them.

Hector is one of the players linked with Liverpool this summer.

Good work by Northern Ireland, closing quickly, getting bodies to

the ball. Four points is likely to be enough

to take them through to the last 16 whatever happens today.

All the way through. The Ukraine and Poland game kicked off earlier than

this one, we will keep you up-to-date with that. 0-0. A German

win will see them top the group. A bit of sparring going on, the

final ball, not the best in the world. They are still finding out

about each other, finding a weakness. The two full-backs have

definitely pushed on. They are looking to get forward. The two wide

players in midfield, if they do their job, it shouldn't really be a

problem. Some of the clubs that the Northern Ireland player starter

that, Dungannon Swifts and so on, what will this mean to the national

team? Gives the whole country eight left. It gives everybody in Northern

Ireland a smile on their face. What they did against Ukraine has given

them so much more belief. -- it gives the country eight left.

Good save. Miller is still without a goal in European Championship finals

and Northern Ireland can break away. Steven Davis, just stolen away.

My goodness, and to end stuff. A chance at each end. A really good

opportunity. He was leaden footed, as he has been

at times. A clever, first-time pass that broke them down. You would

expect Thomas Muller to do better than that. Michael McGovern, spreads

himself really well and makes a massive save early on. That is what

he is therefore. That puts more pressure on the Germans. Spread

himself while, Michael McGovern, the six foot two goalkeeper. His sister

plays for the National women's team, his brother plays as well. At Dundee

United, I think. A bit of petulance, Gareth McAuley.

Could have held his ground a little bit. I don't think he is going

anywhere, Izzy, Toni Kroos? Free kick.

He used to wait outside the ground, and of the ball went out of the

ground he would pick it up and play with it at home. Now he is here.

Steely character, McAuley, very popular at West Bromwich Albion.

Northern Ireland need to watch for the run of Sami Khedira. Also Mats

Hummels. They aimed at Hummels, and the goalkeeper again got something

on it. The penalty area, packed with green shirts, holds firm. A very

positive piece of goalkeeping. I think he got a knock, as well,

Michael McGovern. Hopefully he will be OK, he is limping.

That came through to Ozil, the goalkeeper balked at and the

defender got it away! Another chance for Germany. Michael McGovern does

brilliant again. He snaps at it, half cleared by the goalkeeper.

Another opportunity. Headed out by the tall figure of

Cathcart. The wide Northern Ireland midfield

players have to drop deep to watch the more marauding full-backs.

He chipped it instead of drilling it! Michael McGovern is having a

game of his life, he has made four saves. As he comes in, you can see

it, a great opportunity for Gomez. Michael spreads himself and saves it

with his legs. Could have drilled it across, but decided to chip. This is

the earlier one. Mesut Ozil, swings his right foot, does not catch it,

but it is still a save with his right foot.

He has a decent scoring record for Germany. 426 chances created by the

Arsenal man. Hector drifts away and Jamie Ward

will watch him. Crash and had, back to the goalkeeper. Shows the

experience. The most capped outfield player for Northern Ireland.

Germany have had 68% possession in the opening 30 minutes. The Northern

Ireland fans love that, from Dallas. A strong figure, Boateng, heading it

back to the goalkeeper. Can they withstand this? Gomez has

had a disappointing European Championships so far.

Northern Ireland have ten men behind the ball. That is a foul. Late

challenge from Gomez on Corry Evans. The intended target was Washington,

looking to make a move. Just a bit more composure, keep possession,

Northern Ireland. The two teams meet again in October in the World Cup

qualifiers, Northern Ireland go to Germany. Czech Republic, San Marino,

Azerbaijan and Norway make up the group.

Muller thought he was fouled. The referee got it right, the two of

them jumped for the ball. He wins it. Definitely a throw for Northern

Ireland. Northern Ireland didn't really make

anything of the throw. Davis tried to pressurise.

Here is Nottingham Forest's Jamie Ward.

Ward, like so many players, played a major role in qualifying. He scored

a vital goal away at Greece. They started off the campaign away so

well. Three wins on the bounce. Muller is down. I think he is daugt

here. Jonny Evans is coming through to win the ball. - caught. He caught

the man as well. I saw Clement Turpin referee the Hungary, Austria

game. He was sharp in that game. There was a second yellow card for a

player and he had no option. He was sensible, I thought, through the

game. Here's Kroos. Ozil. Khedira on hand. Gotze. Now Hector for the

World Champions. Being held by Northern Ireland. A quarter of an

hour now played and no goals. The ball actually into Gomez was

played at a really awkward height for the centre forward. I couldn't

agree more, Jonathan. Difficult. All he could do was try to play the ball

on. I don't think - as I said, he hasn't done an awful lot for me,

Mesut Ozil in the opening two games. Jonny Evans, saw Washington. Oh,

offside. Late flag. He must have come back from an offside position,

Conor Washington. Interesting to hear Alan Shearer's thoughts about

Washington. He spoke to Ferdinand at QPR. He thinks he has a big future.

He scored a couple of goals for Northern Ireland already and has

only started playing for them. His performance against Ukraine I think

has been excellent. He had only ever been to Northern Ireland once before

when he got his first call-up. He qualified through his grandmother. A

good ball in behind for Germany. Looking to Muller. Through and out

for a Northern Ireland throw-in. A' you will he S could do, Thomas

Muller. The pass was strong. Pace on T all he could do was -- pace on T

all he could do was keep in in and whip it across. He is almost up

alongside Gomez at times, Muller. Well, whatever happens Gerry,

Northern Ireland supporters will remember their time in Paris. They

have been brilliant to be with in the last 24 hours or so. A great

noise inside the stadium Absolutely. They are a pleasure to have on a

tour with you. Whenever I have watched them abroad they have been

so good, supporting the team. Very good-natured. Look at this. Hector

in towards Ozil. Scoops it. I don't think he thought it was coming to

him. He looked surprised the fullback. There was a little

tuckback here. Someone stretches his leg. He sweeps his foot. You can see

there, Mesut Ozil and it goes up over the top of the crossbar. Gomez,

he was stretching the foot. German fans here, a nice touch,

remember the World Cup '98 where a policeman lost his life on his

duties up at Lens, the German fans started a collection for the family

and giving money up there and they are showing the good side of

football fans. Hector - so often they look for him.

Pushing up high. They know behind they have Boateng, and Hummels, two

of the best in the business. Kimmich, looking for Muller. Great

anticipation from Cathcart. Well, we have been impressed with

Cathcart's reading of the game. He had his education at Manchester

United. Now, there is a break on. Washington has gone wide. Into the

middle looking for Corry Essex. -- Corry Evans. Away by Hummels.

Dallas, beaten in the air by Kimmich. Jonny Evans is there.

Jamie Ward could do nothing else there, except head the ball on. He

came on as a substitute against Poland, Jamie Ward and started

against Ukraine. Well, he had his pocket picked, didn't he, Oliver

Norwood. The first touch there a little bit heavy and then Mesut Ozil

picks his pocket. Cathcart again well-placed. Northern

Ireland, if they win this, they could top the group if Poland fail

to get a victory. That would be sensational. But it is all Germany

in terms of position, 66%. In 1928 that's what happened with our side

then. Here is Muller. Set up by Gomez and wide. Well good

combination play between the front two. Chest control from Gotze is

excellent. Into the path of Muller. Watch this, there is the lovely

control. He has it hit the target. He drags T you can see his body sha.

He is always going to drag it wide. He hauls it across. Not too far wide

of Michael McGovern's goal. Another opportunity has gone abegging for

Germany. Nine goals in qualifying. A grimace there from his manager. His

best-scoring season ever at club level, with Bayern Munich. 32 for

the double-winning side. No foul. Both sides had their claims

here. Corry Evans down. Northern Ireland seem quite happy

for Germany to have it here in this sort of area. Not pressing

particularly high. I think they want them to go wide. They are happy if

they put crosses in. They are comfortable dealing with it. They

have enough height. Three central defenders who are well over 6',

6'2". They can cause so much damage at the other end. Seven of Northern

Ireland's goals have come from set pieces. Aaron Hughes also plays as a

centre half for Newcastle and he is at right back. Good pressing from

Stuart Dallas. At the moment they are playing in

front of Northern Ireland, which will suit the men in green. Now what

can Hector do here with the cross in? Away by Jonny Essex. When he

comes in there, he makes himself a third centre half anyway and Dallas

drops back and it becomes a back five. He has done well. Covered the

ground, Jamie Ward. He is challenging for the ball. He has to

run and jump. He is not the tallest. The Germans put it out for the

throw. It gives him a little bit of respite to gather themselves. I

would just like to see them keep possession a little bit better but

they are doing OK so far. Germany started up again with

Boateng. Oh, well robbed. A good challenge in

there by Ward. He has Washington to his left, but he didn't need him. He

stung the hands of the goalkeeper. I'm glad he hit the target. A

fabulous run for Jamie Ward but he had opportunity to feed the ball.

Conor made a good run. It might have been better putting it through. It

is the sort of thing they have to do, winning the ball off them in

their own offensive third. You can get a two on two. Amazing sound

coming from the Northern Ireland supporters. They are definitely

winning that one against the German fans. Here is Kimmich. A dangerous

ball N oh, wow, a diving header by Muller. Either it hit the post or

was brilliantly parried away. The flag was raised. Well, he didn't

know that. I think it hit the post. Let's look at it again. Oh, off the

post. A header from Muller and another excellent ball in from

Kimmich. I like what I see from this young man there. Is the diving

header. I have no idea when the flag was raised, Muller was certainly on.

Maybe Gomez came from an offside position, but the assistant flagged.

Muller was not offside for me, Jonathan. Definitely not. Unlucky,

Muller. Northern Ireland 0, Germany 0,

Ukraine 0, Poland 0. The way it is all shaping out, they

would get through for a game in Lyon in France. You cannot set your stall

out for a France. You have to put them under pressure. They have done

that on a few occasions on the counterattack but certainly Germany

has created a three or four good chances and Michael McGovern has

made excellent saves. Gotze, going inside his man. Jamie Ward wins it

back again, with typical tenacity. Steven Davis is there with him.

Washington is on the edge of the penalty area. He has waited. Davis

checks out. He needs Aaron Hughes maybe to get forward on the right.

Goes left and Jonny Evans is across there. Davis again. So much

movement, so much hard work. They are keeping the ball as well. Not

just taking any pass, looking for a better pass. Look at this from

Gareth McAuley. The Northern Ireland fans, they - great Oles.

They are not overawed. I know they were disappointed with the way they

played in the opening game. They didn't feel they gave everything

they had against Poland, that they started tentively in a major

championship, after so long. I couldn't agree more but they have

certainly more than made up for that now. Here is Ozil for Germany.

Gomez, lovely footwork. Muller! Back to Gomez. Germany lead. 29 minutes

gone and they have their breakthrough.

His first goal in competitive international football since 2012.

The build-up is good. Again, Mesut Ozil plays that pass, a lovely one

touch. Gomez, sticks it in the back of the net. I thought Muller was

going to pull the trigger. Cathcart maybe goes to ground a little too

easy. Hughes stays on his feet. Gomez sticks it in the net. The 28th

goal of his international career. It was Germany 1-0 up in this game.

His goals against Slovakia from the spot, and against England, earlier

this year, his first international goals for four years. That is a

major one for him. Just as Northern Ireland were beginning to come out

of their defensive shell a little. As I said earlier, created two or

three good chances. Khedira doesn't often waste a pass,

does he? The pace on the ball was too strong, as Jonny Evans takes

this throw. Half an hour played. Northern

Ireland passes 78, Germany passes 276 so far.

Aaron Hughes has done really well at the far post.

At the moment, Germany are topping the group.

As it stands, the situation should still be good enough for Northern

Ireland to go through as one of the best third placed teams.

Cathcart went to the same high school as Carl Frampton, a couple of

years between them. A lovely angle, but couldn't quite keep it in.

Outrageous ambition with the past. I've not seen much of him, and I've

been impressed with what I have seen. Muller, back to Gomez, and he

put it in the back of the net. Frustration for the Northern Ireland

manager. Northern Ireland have made it

difficult for them and are continuing to do so. Hector, Gotze

was also there, as Ozil gets the crossing. Northern Ireland have not

conceded more than one goal in their last 15 international is, going back

to November 20 14. Muller! Off the bar! Twice, he's

been denied by the woodwork. Jamie Ward should be the wide player

putting them under pressure. A super strike. He's a little bit unlucky,

Thomas Muller. The crossbar hit the post, hasn't had the back of the

net. A shot that should have gone in,

from Khedira. Offside anyway, against Gomez. Still too many

chances being created by Germany in this opening half. How can he get a

strike on goal at the edge of the six yard box without anybody near

him? He is offside, Gotze, you can see that clearly. The annoying thing

for me is getting behind them, pulling it back. Northern Ireland

have to stop this. They have to stop the crosses coming in. Ukraine

against Poland is 0-0. Germany would win the group.

Major disappointment at these finals for Ukraine.

A misplaced pass, but to money players in white shirts are being

found in too much space? Absolutely, they have dominated possession. They

have found the important passes. The two wide players, Kimmich and, on

the left-hand side, Hector, the left-back, pushing on, playing like

wingbacks, getting around the back of the Northern Ireland defence,

causing a lot of problems. The interesting thing for May, on the

edge of the box, when the Bulls had been knocked in, it is the first

time past, one touch. That has opened up Northern Ireland twice.

Boateng, great diagonal again. Look how high Hector has been playing.

Gareth McAuley's defence, hard-pressed.

The Northern Ireland fans have not stopped singing, not for a second.

Jonny Evans didn't know Gomez was coming, that is poor. Should have

had a shout. A dip of the shoulder to throw Evans

of balance. What a waste full ball. An usual. I think Michael must be

picky about changing it. I would expect Paddy McNair to come on at

some stage, maybe for that man, Jamie Ward. I think he's finding it

hard now to get back and support Aaron Hughes enough. Might even go

with three centre-backs and play wingbacks, Shane Ferguson is one of

the other players warming up. That has to be going through his mind.

The German manager, as a player, he was not as successful as Michael

O'Neill. A minor midfield success at Stuttgart and Frankfurt.

Michael played for a lot of clubs over a long career. He was a

goal-scoring midfielder, a very good one at Newcastle and Hibs.

He scored for Northern Ireland, four Times in ten games for his country.

I remember him having a big fallout with Jim McClain at Dundee United.

They like to fallout, don't they? Ozil, it should have been two. That

is a pretty poor finish. Mesut Ozil does really well. He slotted into

his path and he scuffs it. It should have been a second goal for Mario

Gomez. When you look down at the page compared by the man from County

Antrim, Jonathan Calderwood, you can't blame him, it's a perfect

pitch. This could be a chance for Northern

Ireland. I think Northern Ireland's set plays have been excellent in

this Championship. There's a chance for Craig Cathcart, Evans, Gareth

McAuley. Eight goals, the centre-half. Not

many centre halves on that. I know Sergio Ramos is on ten. He's had

more attempts on goal in the first games than anybody else.

Casual defending by Germany. Not the first time we have seen this at

these finals. Khedira has been excellent, but not there. Given away

to Norwood. Offside. A little bit casual, the world champions, the

back. Jamie Ward has gone on the left-hand

side, Dallas has come across. I think it is a cause for concern.

Dallas is a much better athlete, I think. Much better defensively.

Gomez, trying to bully his way through. Even if Northern Ireland

lose, there is more than a reasonable chance they will go

through as one of the best third placed teams, as long as they don't

lose by a four goal margin. Offside, Gotze. He didn't know when

the ball foul, he was looking to get the target. Leaning back, doesn't

hit the target. -- when the ball fell. Well offside, a yard and a

half, at least. Northern Ireland also need one of

the other groups to have a third placed team with a worse record than

them. Might happen in Group E. It could also happening Group F.

The new format certainly has questions to answer. I don't think

it was never going to lead to the flowing football we were promised.

Good play, Aaron Hughes again. What do you think, the idea of the third

placed team going through? It is great for the lesser nations,

so-called, but it has led to defensive football in matches we

have seen. We have had some shocks as well,

look at the Albanian performances and what they have done, I think

it's good for football that you can get a shock, and you can get one of

the minnows qualifying. Hungary, pulling off a massive victory over

Austria, who won nine of their ten qualifying matches. They came here

highly rated, but Hungary were well worth that victory. And Albania have

been terrific. So well organised. I think people don't like to see the

top dogs running all the time. 44,000 at the Parc des Princes, just

over. The Northern Irish members here

showing us their attendance in green. Ward here, an accomplished

leftback. Oh, well-played. Good pressure by Ward. Apologies to the

assistant referee who caught one there. Jail Wired has blocked it. It

rebounded and caught the official in the stomach or chest. He could be a

little bit winded. Shocked. He can continue. Schweinsteiger is

having a bit of fun with him. They go off at half time with a smile on

their faces, Germany. Leading with a goal from Gomez. Steered in. They

have hit the wood work twice as well, with Muller. As it stands,

though, Northern Ireland will be OK, we think. But at half-time they

trail by a goal to nil. STUDIO: Well it has been a struggle

Northern Ireland, the Germans, lots of chances.

Bot Not too big a goal deficit. We said we needed to be at their best

and Germany with an off day. That's not been the best. The four players

who play in the Premier League there. They have probably learned

more in that 45 minutes than they have in the whole of their career.

The quality of the passing from Germany is top quality. They are

finding it difficult to cope with. More impressed with the Germany

display so far? They have created more chances, definitely. Coming in,

some good crosses from the flanks, Kimmich and Hector. I still think

there is too much congestion in the middle of the park, not using the

full width of the pitch. Alan? I think they are using the width well.

They are veding their play well. The two fullbacks are high up and they

are making it difficult for Northern Ireland. Sqleen you get bodies

behind the ball -- when you get bodies be behind the ball, the way

to get around it is by stretching they, moving it, passing it into the

front quick. The guys are turning and stretching them. It should be 4

or 5 nil but for some terrible finishing and good goal keeping but

they are still in it, still fighting. Only Juergen Klinsmann has

scored more goals at the European Championships than Mario Gomez.

Klinsmann has five, he has four. It seemed only a matter of time. They

were hanging on, we were saying - it is only a matter of time. They have

had some good chances before this. There is the ball I was on about.

That, when you have men behind the ball, that ball fizzed in and

runners running beyond the centre forward it make the difference and

that did there. Muller did well. It has come back to Gomez and I think

it goes through McAuley's leg, doesn't t a little bit of luck they

probably need to get in front. But the movement and passing and the

pace and speed of the passing is what got them in there. I think they

are making it easy for the Northern Irish, they are always two yards or

three yards away from the strikers, from the owe uponents. That is what

a weak team plays when they have to defend us. -- opponents. They are

defending sometimes they have six at the back and still leaving too much

space. They don't really know how to do it. I think it is a lack of

education. It is not the customary way they have to play. They don't

play against teams like you I think it is a lack of quality at the top

end of the game. You have to remember we are playing the World

Champions. We could have predicted this was the way the game has to go.

We have to hang in at 1-0 to see if we can get something out of it.

Generally things have not happened Euros for Thomas Muller. He has hit

the wood work and never scored in the finals. Like Ronaldo the other

night. I was surprised he didn't lift that over the goalkeeper. The

bounce was there. A very good save. Yes.

You don't seem convinced. He is a hard man to please. I was sorry for

him. I hope he had some protection there. Blame the defenders always.

The subtle touches from the likes of Ozil and Gomez. And it is just a

little bit too much for Northern Ireland. That's why I think they

have done well in that position, where I think they have stretched

well and they have got bodies into the box and that was a good ball in.

He is brave in there. Again it is from a wide position. They are

stretching the back four or back six at times it is. But, as I have said,

but for better finishing they should be four or five nil. It is one of

those days. We have all been tl.d we have played against teams who are

supremely dominant. Your Barcelonas. We have all been there. Your brain

gets scrambled. When you have possession you have to keep it and

you are on top of the game and you get tired. They still have something

to hang on to. Probably, as it stands, at the minute, they are

probably still... They are very much in it. Going through. As long as

they don't concede too many. Then they could be in trouble. A quick

question, generals layman, we have seen goalkeepers when they are busy.

-- Jens. I think goal keepers like to be busy or do you prefer not to

be busy? If you have really well-organised defence, you don't

have anything to do but if you don't, you have to make saves. I

know, I wondered which way you like, you like it make saves? I really

liked T I needed to work my way up. But at the end of my career I

thought it was a matter of weakness if I had a lot to do. German

organisation, another example of it. Loads of chances really for Germany,

but also, Northern Ireland had opportunities on the counterattack

that they didn't take advantage of, Neil A little bit of lack of

self-belief. Straight after McGovern makes a save. This is where you want

Conor Washington breaking. He has Hummels nice. He is not convincing

enough. That extra half a yard he could have laid it back it Davis or

got the shot up. Never looked like he was going to score. He was a

person high up the pitch. I felt it was

he was going to score. He was a person high up the pitch. I felt it

was dangerous. Every now and again they have got a bit of joy on it,

McAuley stepping into things. In their defence, Neil, it is very,

very difficult. They are probably absolutely shattered. They have been

chasing the ball for the vast majority of the half. So get up

there, when they are in the final third, to commit men forward,

because as I have said they have been chasing. I think, you know, it

is half - it is one or the other. This is the worse one here. Ward has

done brilliant. This is what we are hoping for. He has three chances to

play Washington in, there, before. Exactly the same. It always feels

the timing of the runs are not really well-trained. He should have

cut inside or played inside. The thing from, that not actually once

did Ward look up. His head was down. He never picked it up to look at the

passing, he was away. He should have picked it up and passed it. A long

way to go. Let's head pitchside. Chris Brunt is with Steven Watson.

Northern Ireland kept Germany at bay for almost half an hour. It could

have been a handful. How difficult was it for you to watch? It was

tough to watch. Obviously wanted to the boys to do well. They defended

superbly. Michael McGovern has been unbelievable. We stayed into the

game until half time. It could have got away from us, but we are still

in it. It is only one, hopefully we can come out second half and create

a bit more. As Northern Ireland get deeper and deeper to defend, how

energy-zapping is that for the side? It is difficult. We have been there

a lot of times in international football. When you come up against a

side with this quality, it is difficult to get out, the wide

players get dragged back and Conor Washington is up there on his own.

They are going to have to dig in and Conor will have to work his socks

off it get hold of the ball when it goes up there and give us breathing

space and the opportunity to get players up the pitch. Remarkably it

only is 1-0 and be Northern Ireland still have a chance of possibly

doing something the second half? Definitely. We had a corner there

towards the end of the first half. It was a bit of a breather I think

for everybody. You know the boys going up from the back. If web make

get further up the pitch, create a few more things, a few set pieces,

maybe we could cause Germany problems. Northern Ireland trying to

avoid a heavy defeat, trying to make it through to the last 16 of the

tournament. They most certainly R as we know

Poland and Ukraine are currently playing in Marseille. Here is the

best of the first half. Fabiancy keeping his place in goal.

Szczesny sofred a thigh strain in training.

Save from Pyatov Trying to go through the goalkeeper.

For my money, pass it across the goal and give somebody else an

opportunity. A great chance. A wonderful

opportunity spurned. I think he made the opportunity more difficult for

himself. Let it come across his body. He could be 2-0 up in the

first half minutes. Good challenge there. The ball

whipped in once again Great move from the Ukraine. We said he liked a

tackle. He did brill yaptly in that situation.

Zozulya beaten to T vp A nice touch for Yamolenko. Chance for Ukraine.

Tumbling away from the goal. Much to his frustration. He knows he is

capable of far better than that. I think the goalkeeper does really

well here. He waits and waits. Assesses the situation, Fabianski

and rushes out really, really quickly. Should have scored, though.

Beautifully taken by Lewandowski. Creates the chance Actually, of all

his chance, I think he did brilliantly there. Under pressure.

He just clipped. A A good chest down. Again, yellow shirts flooding

forward. All hands on deck here for Poland.

And Fabianski had that covered. Only just.

STUDIO: You can watch that match on the BBC website now on the red

button or website. Tonight, Croatia v Spain commentary

on 5 Live. We will have highlights later. Tomorrow afternoon, Cristiano

Ronaldo continues his personal quest for a goal at the finals as Portugal

take on Hungary, with qualification far from assured.

It is one of the football stories. A lovely ball through. Good save

from McGovern. The goalkeeper has blasted it in. He got it away. Here

is Muller. Muller. Back to Gomez. Germany lead!

Gotze pulls it back. Muller. Ozil breaking into the line. It should

have been two, Gomez. Before the second half gets under

way, a reminder you can take part in our predictor game via the BBC Sport

website. Mr Shearer is currently looking comfortable on the top of

the BBC Sport predictor. Look at that. It was all that studying I did

about a month beforehand, all the players and teams. What have you got

in this game? 2-0 Germany. You have chance a game. You went 0-0 in every

game. I think three or four. It could be, let's hope not. There's

me thinking he knew a lot about the game, top of the league. Not bad.

Ibrahim nich has announced his retirement from international

football at the end of this tournament. He has been wonderful

for years A shame he is finding it hard to find the back of the net.

Understandable. In his team he is used to chances week in and week out

but he is in a letters team and struggling. A big fan of him?

Is Are you a big fan of Ibrahimovic? I've played against him a few times,

when he plays against you, you are not a big fan! But he was good to

watch. Used to get irritated on the pitch?

A great player, I'd like to see the Champions League on his CV, to crown

of his career. What is he do at half-time, Michael O'Neill? If they

don't get hammered, they will go through. Maybe get some fresh legs

on. They have to hang in as best they can. Make the most of set

plays. What will Germany want to do? They come in knowing a convincing

victory would enhance morale? We need to finish first in the group,

then we don't care who we play. We have to beat everybody to win the

Championship, so we don't really care! Allan, do you care? Yes, let's

be honest! They have something to hang onto, that is the most thing.

It will be very difficult for them. Let's rejoin Gerry Armstrong Pearce.

Just chuckling over what Jens was saying, I remember commentating on

Arsenal games, where he seemed to be irritated by the forwards attacking

his penalty area. No changes for either side. Gerry Armstrong, hero

of 82, played in 86 as well, should Michael O'Neill have made a change?

I thought he was going to. I thought they were looking a bit tired,

particularly the wide position, Jamie Ward. Jamie has done well

going forward. On occasion he has been picking a pocket and taking the

ball. Germany have had too many chances in the first car for me.

Northern Ireland are lucky they are only 1-0 down. -- first half.

If they lose by this margin, or another, they could well still be

there. I think they will be as one of the best third placed teams.

Anything above three, they are in real trouble. Defending over the

last couple of years would suggest they might not get a hammering, but

they have to improve on the first half. Yes, I'm looking at the

performance of Mesut Ozil, whose passing has been particularly good

in the final third. You have been impressed by Kimmich? I like him, he

is quick, he gets forward. Only 21. Pep Guardiola thinks that Kimmich

might go on to become one of the best centre-backs in the world.

A late challenge on Jonny Evans. The linesman gives it.

There has been muted criticism of their performances so far.

Seeing if there is more rain coming down, sprinkling again.

Adverse conditions, in Lyon, the hailstorms, I've never seen anything

like that before in European Championships. They got quite big,

towards the end. Thunder and lightning. It has been the wettest

Paris early summer since 1932. The free kick decision is going the

way of Corry Evans and Northern Ireland. There will be tough to beat

next season together, Boateng and Hummels.

McGovern, looking for a new club this summer, having been released by

Hamilton, will take this. I don't think it will be short of

invitations, for sure. He missed the start of the

competition with an injury picked up at the German cup final. Whatever

happens, they are going to have a party. They are having a party,

believe you me. Great fun, just enjoy following the country and

having some fun. One of the Northern Ireland supporters, I was reading

about it, he got here, went into his room, tried to charge his phone, got

an electric shock, went downstairs, started dancing, slipped on some

wine, broke his leg, got there too late for the next game, could not

get in, he is still there, determined to have a good time. It

wasn't Jimmy Nesbitt, the lucky man, was it? He is still here. Been to

all of the games, as has Carl Frampton, and Rory Mcilroy is here

as well. Ozil has been excellent for Germany.

This is easily his best game for me. He has been very important for them.

A lovely run by Kimmich, and terrific goalkeeping again by

Michael McGovern. What a game he has had, the

goalkeeper. He's been superb, absolutely top drawer. Like I said

earlier, you will not have shortage of invitations to play for another

club, a brilliant goalkeeper. Muller pulled it back, looking for

Khedira. Ozil, Gotze, and wide. Another good

opportunity. Cut back. They should have scored, shouldn't

they? A good opportunity, a great ball. A fabulous Ball. Look at

Michael McGovern, coming out and spreading himself, preventing Mario

Gotze, not once, but twice. They have totally dominated, 60%

ball possession. 12 or 13 really good effort on goal.

Very nearly touched off by Jamie Ward to Washington. He looks for it,

he's got him under pressure, here. Jamie Ward does well, with Hummels.

They glancing header, trying to put in, Washington. Doesn't come off him

properly. Still only 1-0. Very strong challenge by McAuley.

Fair play to Mario Gotze, he didn't pull out of that one. Blocks it with

his left foot. He couldn't quite get to it. I know

you played for Northern Ireland so many times, you will tell me whether

it was different in 82 or 86, I've been doing international football

since 1987, I cannot remember a performance by a set of supporters

like we have had today. Unbelievable is right, they are amazing. A little

bit unlucky, Mario Gotze. Didn't work out for him. Schurrle is on to

replace him. Another high goal-scoring striker. He has been

better today, Gotze. Comes Schurrle to replace him. His third substitute

role so far in finals. Nearly had a break on the left-hand

side, Northern Ireland. Wouldn't give up, very tenacious on the

second attempt. One of the Northern Ireland players that started off at

Manchester United. Northern Ireland, the rhythmic

chanting going on. The pressure was enough for Muller

to put it all the way back into his own half. I'm just wondering how

long before they unleashed Kyle Lafferty. He has been warming up

quite a lot on the right-hand side. Davis saw the gap and went into it,

beyond Boateng. Stolen off him by Mesut Ozil, who has been

outstanding. What a fantastic run, you are right,

for me, easily the best game from Mesut Ozil. Another great challenge,

Stuart Dallas on the ball. A nervous look towards the bench by

Washington, perhaps he feels his time is coming up because Laverty is

waiting to come on. -- Lafferty. Still 0-0, the Ukraine and Poland

situation. Northern Ireland trailing Germany here by one goal. Germany

would win the group. Poland would finish second, Northern Ireland

third. Not a great ball for Conor

Washington to try to chase, in the channel.

That saved by the goalkeeper! Just wide, the rebound.

He has missed some chances, Gomez. I think Mario Gomez should have scored

again. Another wonderful save from Michael McGovern. Right-hand, Sami

Khedira has run too far. He has made at least 20 or 30 yards to get that

shot off. A straight swap, Conor Washington for Kyle Lafferty. Fresh

legs, let's see what Northern Ireland's top goal-scorer in the

qualifiers can do now. Striker for striker. But a different sort of

player. A battering ram player who had such a great qualifying campaign

with seven goals. That's what you want, a one-on-one

situation, jail wraird there. An opportunity for a good situation

where Northern Ireland could break some of their taller players. --

Jamie Ward. He adds a little bit extra height, Jonny Evans. I'm sure

some anxiety will come into the German game because Poland are

leading Ukraine. In comes a corner. Another dangerous set piece. Nearly

pays off Northern Ireland with Jonny Evans rising This is what I said

they are good at. Good set plays and delivery. Jonny gets up well. Jumps

very well there against Gomez. Takes a deflection. A and we have Oliver

Norwood coming across. He is going to whip this in with his right foot.

A lot of pace. We want to see a delivery. There is Craig Cathcart.

Evans on the near post. It thrashes on through. Kimmich had got his head

to it it. Back in by Steven Davis. I think he was onside as well.

A dangerous cross in. Ward will clear.

Kimmich, only 21. Much improved this year. He says he has improved his

pitch orientation. Here is Hummels, cruising up. Three

in the middle to hit here for Hector. And the referee says it is a

foul there will by Ward T could be costly. He dived in very quickly the

first time. It bounced back and went straight in for another challenge.

He catches him there. He doesn't get the ball and he catches him. Hector

wins the free kick, as you say, Jonathan, in an excellent position.

That area of the stadium, the Parc des Princes is where most of the

German fans R they have found their voice now. -- German fans are.

Kroos is up. Hummels 6'3". Kroos 6'2". Plenty of time on the ball as

well. Muller might try to whip it in low and have a go at goal.

He stays over it. Well-read by Corry Essex. Corry Evans and Steve Davis

between the two of them, both burst out to block that challenge. I think

Corry has hurt himself. He hit it bravely, the Blackburn player.

Playing for the Greenisland Boys' Club before moving away to

Manchester United. Kimmich again. Blocked by Dallas. A

corner to Germany. Well, more pressure for this

Northern Ireland defence. They'll have to stand proud. Germany and

with Poland winning, Germany would still top the group. Northern

Ireland will have done enough, we think. In comes a cross - the

referee has blown. There was a push. Who made a charge. It may have been

against Gomez or Schurrle. Gomez was holding on to McAuley. Hummels was

holding on to Jonny Evans. I think it is one of those two decisions,

the referee has the choice. He blew the whistle before the header was

made. A big roar went up, by the way, a

couple of minutes ago. A tribute to Robert Archie Rainey, the man known

as Archie, a Northern Ireland man who died during Thursday's win in

Ukraine, in Lyon, he passed away, very sadly. The Northern Ireland

fans gave a roar. He was 64, I believe when he passed away. The

vast majority, I know you will have seen other headlines back at home

and pictures but the vast majority of fans here at these finals have

come to enjoy themselves. And they've been spirited together.

There is Schweinsteiger preparing it make another entrance into this

competition from the substitutes' bench He scored the second goal

against Ukraine when he came off the bench in the first game. He had only

been on the field of play some seconds and galloped away down

field. A good finish, wasn't t on the half-volley? A great run for

someone who had been out of football since 20th March.

Muller dispossessed by Corry Evans. Steven Davis is there. Lafferty away

and Dallas, the inside left. Lafferty was down the line as well.

Well a good run from Stuart Dallas. I'm impressed from the recover from

Mats Hummels. And we have to find out who Schweinsteiger is coming on

for T looks like Khedira. -- it looks like Khedira.

He hasn't impressed, really. Schweinsteiger's 7th major finals.

He has been in five semifinals in a row.

Schurrle tried to get the cross N followed up by Hector. Muller.

There is an interesting one coming up now, Jonathan. It is Magennis who

is coming on. It could be a complete change of tactics from Michael

O'Neil. Theres is, Josh Magennis, the

Kilmarnock player. Yoir McIlroy applauds as Jamie Ward

comes off and Josh Magennis goes on. He scored one goal in qualifying

against Greece at home. This is an interesting story. He was

a goalkeeper, he played twice for Northern Ireland under-17s, in goal.

He has reverted to a striker just ahead of the Youth Cup Final in

Northern Ireland. He was at Cardiff. Yes, two pushing there. Muller and

Schweinsteiger. A free kick. An opportunity for another dead ball.

Can Oliver Norwood provide the right service? Well, it would be

sensational. Germany so dominant in the first

half. A different story in this second period.

Dallas, to Cathcart. Didn't come off. Kimmich.

Germany will sweep away on the counter.

Hector and Kroos there with him. Ozil coming away from his marker.

That was a tired touch. Magennis gets it away. Sometimes it

is not good enough to get the ball away, Jonathan. You have to try to

keep possession. You have to give yourself a chance. That's a decent

ball. A lovely ball away but Hector couldn't keep it in play. The first

touch let him down but it was a wonderful diagonal pass from

right-to-left. That's been a feature of the way they have played. Getting

it to the full-backs, high. Jonny Essex and Lafferty in there.

But Germany came away with it. Steven Davis down the line. Lafferty

to pressurise Boateng. Very calm. Genuine two-footed goal-keeper. Very

rare. After today it would have been unheard of, really, with goalkeepers

having to deal with those passes. Into Gomez. Kimmich, can he keep it

in play? Terrific athlete, the German rightback, Schweinsteiger.

And Michael McGovern. Again that ball from the left-hand side was

great delivery. Gomez couldn't get on the end of it. He did a good job

putting it in Hector. You can see, what, he is a foot away from it,

just an outstretched leg from Mario Gomez, looking to touch.

Lafferty with the header on. Plenty of time for Hummels.

The goalkeeper is just as important. Keeps possession there. They have

been in their comfort zone throughout the game, the German

centre-backs. Here is Kimmich. That's not a good delivery. They

haven't played well in the second half. Scintillating football from

Germany in the first. I'd like to see him keep possession

a little bit better, Jonathan. Excellent block from Jonny Evans,

when that pass came across four Schurrle to try and strike. He was

quick out of the blocks. The substitution will be made.

Germany lead Northern Ireland, Poland lead Ukraine. Germany have

seven points, above Poland on goal difference. Northern Ireland will

finish third. Will it be enough? We will have to wait and see.

Boateng replaced, with the scoreline 1-0, remembering that he is on a

yellow card, I think it is probably a sensible decision. Not a yellow

card in this game, but in the tournament.

Good play by Jonny Evans. Keeps possession as well. Just drifted,

half a yard, the wrong side of the defender. They've got to do more of

that. They have to keep possession better and try to find a good pass

to the front man. Gomez, poor touch. He has missed some chances, Gomez.

Scored the goal. He couldn't get his hand out the

way. A Northern Ireland goal would be

greeted with absolute pandemonium. It would be talked about for ever

and a day. More immediately, it would totally confounded Germany and

their plans to top the group. This team are not out of this yet. He

felt that was an elbow. Welcome he didn't try to play the ball, you

jumped into the player. That is what Michael's point was. The referee

agreed and gives the free kick. They have looked a better team, Northern

Ireland, with Lafferty on the field of play. McAuley was up. That is a

foul. Josh Magennis, into the back of Schweinsteiger. Just a little bit

late, catches him late. That is what the free kick is for. Can't argue

with that. A good touch down the line. Gomez

strayed offside, he had to hesitate. Kimmich was arriving. I like the

cover from Stuart Dallas. That is what he's good at.

First meeting at a major tournament between the countries since the 58

World Cup. Northern Ireland doing a good account of themselves. Germany

have dominated, they have had the better opportunities and have hit

the woodwork twice. Still just 1-0. Once again, we have seen more of the

so-called big nations at the Euro 2016 not go on and dominate the

scoreline. Schweinsteiger, pulling the strings.

Oh, dear. That is probably the poorest attempted cross of the

evening from one of the wide players. Much better than that,

normally. Boateng, who has gone off. You can

see why he has made the decision. There is no need to keep him on.

Lafferty, try to make it stick on his chest. But he gets away from

him. Cathcart, a tired sweep of the like.

-- legs. Neuer is comfortable in those

situations, sometimes a bit lackadaisical. Germany have played

themselves out very neatly. Kimmich did well. He was looking for

Gomez, again, pushed away by McGovern. What a fabulous save. A

great ball into the box as well. You can see Mario Gomez towers above him

at the far post. This is Kimmich's cross. Left-hand, brilliant save

from Michael McGovern. Just steered away. I'm not sure I've

seen a goalkeeper make as many saves us Michael McGovern has today.

Just couldn't keep it low. Really pushing for power.

We can see that saved again. He got his fingertips to it. He has

blocked, he has saved. He's had a terrific game, Michael McGovern. The

seven or eight great saves. Corry Evans has gone off, to be replaced

by Niall McGinn. Interesting one, he came off the bench as a substitute

and scored the second goal against Ukraine. His pace will be

interesting. Still, the Northern Ireland fans

sing. Six minutes to go. Poland are pressing Germany hard for

top spot. Kimmich was not happy with that one. Frustration, they have had

good possession and good chances, but they haven't improved on that

1-0 lead. They have had 70% of the ball in the

game. They have made four times as many

passes as Northern Ireland. That is great defending from Stuart

Dallas. At the expense of a corner, but he has done really well.

A Crusaders player, did well with them.

Hector, it was always going over. They have put in a lot of effort,

they are happy enough with the one goal lead, and they look a bit tired

now, the Germans. A bit sloppy, some mistakes made. They have done enough

over the three games to convince you they can go on and win this? They

have to approve, for me. They will have to take the chances they have

created. On another day, they should have scored two or three goals at

least. That will be the disappointment.

They will do well to get anywhere near that. Too much pace. Once

again, Mats Hummels is in a good position to make sure he's not going

to get on the end of it. Northern Ireland had two shots against

Poland, 17 against Ukraine. They are back to two here.

Only one of them was worthy enough for the Uefa stats. But the fans

will support them evermore. The front two now for Northern

Ireland are going to have to put in some work to pressurise defenders

and stop Germany coming again and again. They have the two fresh legs,

that is what they have to do, put pressure on them. Two minutes to go.

Straight at McGovern. Should not be getting a shot that easy, for me.

Looks as if it has been cleared, the ricochet comes back. Gomez pivots

and gets a shot off with his left foot. Quite a simple one for

McGovern. He has scored, but he has had half a dozen efforts. He should

have improved, the header was an excellent save. But some big misses

as well. He He wanted it played into feet T

didn't come. A corner off Steven Davis. He tracked him really well

there, Toni Kroos. He needed to find an angle. He gets close enough to

him there to get a touch on it. Coming close to the 90-minute mark

now, Jonathan. And Northern Ireland haven't got out of the first ground

group since Gerry's '82 World Cup exploits. It could be moment away.

We might have to wait until the final matches are all sewn up to see

which are the best-placed third sides.

Three minutes of stoppage time in Parc des Princes. 1-0 to Germany.

Here is Ozil. Kimmich. A little tired from Cathcart.

Ozil hits it. It wasn't tis right foot, was it? Well it was his right

foot, but the wrong foot for Mesut Ozil. ! Jonny Evans got a crack in

the back of the head. Let's look at this. There is the attempted shot.

It was always going wide. Bastian Schweinsteiger. A lot of

international success for him in Germany.

Another elusive run by Ozil, in between the lines. Muller with the

cross. Glanced on. McGinn can bring it away. To Lafferty. He has done

well Lafferty. He has challenged him for it. That's all he can do for a

ball in the air. Even if he had won it cleanly, there was no-one there.

That's it. He might have dropped it off and got the throw-in himself but

he did enough to put him under pressure. Here is Muller.

Schurrle, Hector. The little triangle there. Kroos coming in,

from Schweinsteiger. Across the field they'll go. They'll draw

Northern Ireland out of position. Doole He has given his all, Craig

Cathcart. They have had all had to work tremendously hard. Germany has

played well. Certainly stretched them on numerous occasions.

Particularly the fist half. They only have the one goal to score for

it. That's the difference. Lafferty on the ball now. Not too sure how

impressed the German media will be. We are into the last 15 seconds of

stoppage time. Listen to the Northern Ireland fans. Well, the

order of the day is McGovern to stick this one forward. Everybody is

going forward now. Craig Cathcart, Jonny Evans, Gareth McAuley, all up

there. Time to make legends of yourself.

But not today. Northern Ireland beaten by the World Champions. Gomez

with the only goal of the game, to defeat Martin O'Neil's side. Have

they done enough to go through as one of the best third-placed teams?

We will have to wait and see. The Northern Ireland fans - truly

memorable. Germany the winner, though with the Gomez goal. 1-0.

STUDIO: And in the other game, Poland have beaten Ukraine. Just the

one goal in the match. We will have to wait and see if

Northern Ireland have done enough to qualify. Ukraine, of course, already

heading home. Overall, it just kind of became a bit of a damp squib in

the end, wasn't it? A bit flat in the end. Germany were comfortable.

Northern Ireland couldn't get out of their own half. Germany dominated

possession. Should have had four, five, but for some excellent

goal-keeping but, the fans were outstanding in the stadium. So, they

are there. It is going to be a nervous wait for them. But fingers

crossed. As for Germany, you know, they flattered to deceive a little

bit, didn't they? they flattered to deceive a little

bit, didn't they? Before they made difficult things look easy. Now it

seems to be the opposite. When you look at the players' faces, it seems

to be hard, a lot of effort, not that fluent any more as it was. I

said before, there seems to be some lack of power and energy on the

pitch... Which is unusual from a German side, isn't it? Yes, but many

players play now in big leagues. They have teams in competition until

the end of the season. Like Ozil in London and Khedira and Kroos in

Spain and Italy. It is an effort for them now to polya good tournament. A

word on Northern Ireland, never realistically looked like getting

into that game and but for a great goal-keeping performance, they could

have taken a bit of a spanking? It could have been. I can't be critical

of the players. They left everything on the pitch. A huge gap in class.

1-0, a respectable scoreline, more than we could have hoped for. We are

all waiting in anticipation to see what the next few days bring.

Certainly R Well Germany, a plethora of goal-scoring opportunities but

only managed to stick one away. It went to Mario Gomez. Good play.

Good, decisive, quick passing, into Gomez. Gomez into Muller.

He couldn't turn and shoot himself but lays it back to Gomez. A little

bit of luck through McAuley's legs in the enbut they definitely

deserved that goal. That was the difference. Particularly in the

first half, Gary. They have comfortable. They took the foot off

the gas in the second half. The difference between the first and

second half was the speed of the passing. Their movement had slowed

down a bit and there wasn't the urgency second half as there was

first half. Not quite. I don't think there was any question hot Man of

the Match was. Michael McGovern was terrific, wasn't he? Actually,

before we look at many of the saves he made, we can hear from him.

before we look at many of the saves he made, we can hear from him.

How proud are you of that Northern Ireland performance that you were

able to keep the score to 1-0? Time will tell. If it is good enough to

get us through the group, we will know in the next 24-48 hours, I

immensely proud. If it is not, disappointed. What about your

performance, you made fantastic saves? Busy today. It was meantly

very hard. We were under a lot of pressure. Even when they scored we

knew every goal was crucial with goal difference. So we wanted to

keep it at 1 and maybe nick an equaliser T wasn't to be but it was

important to keep the score down. They are an excellent team, World

Champions. How difficult was it to pay against the German team o who

hit their stride? A slow start in the first couple of games. I thought

they were excellent today. We couldn't really get out. But we

worked so hard. Hopefully it is enough to get through. Thank you.

Well, he really was terrific. Man of the Match. Not only did he make

loads and loads of saves but he also had the most touches for a Northern

Irish player and the most passes. But an preeshes of the goalkeeper?

Fantastic. He kept them in the game several tie.s I have heard he is

running out of contract. He is a free agent now. Can he speak German?

I will ask them to take him. - serve times. When you work hard, you are

lucky. He has shown that today. times. When you work hard, you are

lucky. He has shown that today. That's what he did well. The timing

of him to come out and block and face up to shots, he was brave. He

made himself big. He deserved Man of the Match, I suppose. He played a

huge part in that result. That was a brilliant save. I tell you what he

has done. He has put himself in the shop window on the biggest stage.

What an opportunity and he has taken it. You rarely see that with a

goalkeeper, until the very last moment, he keeps his eyes on the

ball which means he is very brave. Most keepers turn their head away

and don't look at the ball any more. He has done brilliantly at that.

This was a good save from Gomez, down to his left-hand side. A great

save this one. Brilliant. Ultimately the saves he made might just make

the difference between Northern Ireland not qualifying and

qualifying. I will try and explain T it is so complicated at this

particular tournament. As it stands, Northern Ireland are

ranked second with only four to go through. If the Czech republic fail

to win against Turkey or Turkey fail to win with a four-goal margin,

Northern Ireland will be confirmed. A win for the Czechs and Northern

Ireland's fate will be decided one way or another tomorrow and then

there will be further shenanigans and we'll have to try to work it

out. Explain that again, please? No. But, here take that and study it

overnight and I will test you on it in the morning. OK, they must be

proud in Northern Ireland of what they have done. Playing the World

Cup champions there. They stuck at it and stuck at it. Gary, being here

was a major achievement and to negotiate the group the way they

did. Losing #2345r yoly to Poland and beating Ukraine in fantastic

fashion. -- losing narrowly to Poland. The whole country is proud,

of course we are. Germany or England, better team? I knew you

would ask. You are the expert. It is difficult to say after the group

stage. English they look fast. We don't. But just in case we are

playing each other... You know what happens. The mental thing comes in.

I would love to see each other playing. You have not conceded a

goal, yes. That's true. There is a little issue with Boateng. He had to

go off. We don't know what he has got. If he is out that could be a

major blow. I tell you I'm surprised about at this tournament, a lot of

big striker, we saw Lewandowski today. They have not scored. Yes and

Ronaldo has not scored. It is partly like I said, the quality of teams

they are playing in, week-in and week-out are not the same as the

teams they are playing in in this tournament. They are building up to

the knockout stage. I think when it gets to the knockout stage you will

see the cream raise to the top. We are just about out of time. Thank

you for coming in Jens Lehmann. Letsd' hope we see you again

shortly. -- let's hope. Tonight we see Spain face Croatia. Commentary

on 5 Live. The Czech Republic take on Turkey. We will have highlights

of both games later on, on BBC One. Tomorrow afternoon, Portugal take on

Hungary with qualification far from assured and switching sports, you

can see coverage of England v Sri Lanka on the website. It'll be a

nervous 24 hours. Goodbye. COMMENTATOR: Northern Ireland team

are worth 5% of the German team. COMMENTATOR: Gomez, Germany lead.

# All I am asking for # Is a little respect#

Northern Ireland will finish third. Will it be