Euro 2016

[monks data]

European Championship | Group Stage

Jun 21, 2016 at 5pm UK

N. Ireland Northern Ireland
0-1
Germany

FT(HT: 0-1)

Gomez (30')

Michael McGovern: 'Germany were excellent'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 21 June 2016

Northern Ireland goalkeeper Michael McGovern admits that world champions Germany were "excellent" during their 1-0 victory over his side at Euro 2016.

Northern Ireland goalkeeper Michael McGovern has admitted that Germany were "excellent" during their 1-0 victory over his side at Euro 2016 this afternoon.

The world champions dominated throughout the 90 minutes, and only a mixture of poor finishing and a string of memorable saves from McGovern kept the score down at the Parc des Princes.

Northern Ireland now face a nervous wait to see whether they will qualify for the last 16 as one of the best third-placed teams, and despite surpassing expectations at the tournament so far, McGovern admits that his side would be disappointed not to progress.

"If it is not enough for us to go through, we will be very disappointed," he told BBC Sport.

"It was busy today and mentally very hard. We knew every goal was crucial so wanted to keep keep it at one and maybe nick a goal of our own.

"Germany had a slow start but they were excellent today, we could not get out."

Germany topped Group C as a result of their victory, while Poland finished behind the world champions on goal difference.