Gomez guides Germany into Euro 2016 knockouts

Northern Ireland's midfielder Corry Evans (L) and Germany's midfielder Toni Kroos vie for the ball during the Euro 2016 group C football match between Northern Ireland and Germany at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on June 21, 2016. / AFP PHOTO

Mario Gomez struck as world champions Germany beat Northern Ireland 1-0 in Paris on Tuesday to qualify for the Euro 2016 knockout phase as winners of Group C.

Drafted in to address the goal-scoring problems witnessed in Germany's 0-0 draw with Poland, the on-loan Besiktas striker netted from Thomas Mueller's pass in the 30th minute at Parc des Princes.