Northern Ireland reach last 16 of Euro 2016

Tuesday, June 21, 2016　Source: PA

Northern Ireland have advanced to the last 16 at Euro 2016, despite losing 1-0 to world champions Germany in Paris earlier on Tuesday night.

Turkey's 2-0 win over the Czech Republic ensured Michael O'Neill's men are guaranteed one of the four spots afforded to the best third-placed teams by virtue of boasting a better goal difference than both the Turks and Albania, and they will face either France in Lyon or Wales in Paris at the weekend.

They were unable to book the ticket themselves prior to the Turkey game as Mario Gomez's first-half finish earned Germany top spot in Group C, with Poland runners-up, though a string of saves from Michael McGovern proved crucial as Northern Ireland finished with a goal difference of zero, good enough to see them qualify in their first major tournament in 30 years.