Ivan Perisic's last gasp winner gave Croatia a 2-1 win over Spain that condemned the defending European champions to a heavyweight last 16 clash against Italy while Germany claimed their place in the knockout rounds. Mario Gomez struck the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland in Paris to ensure Joachim Loew's men advance as Group C winners, with Poland through as runners-up following a 1-0 win over Ukraine.
Even Northern Ireland became one of the six latest nations through, stealing one of four spots for the best third placed finishers. Spain must now beat Italy in a rematch of the 2012 final to remain in contention for a record third successive European Championship title after sliding to defeat against Croatia in Bordeaux. Turkey beat Czech Republic 2-0 in the day's other Group D game.
"It was not the desired route for us," said Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque. "That is football, it seemed like we had the game controlled, but in football you can't take anything for granted. "We will try to recover from this disappointment and prepare for Monday." Tuesday's results also mean that Slovakia, Hungary and Northern Ireland are all guaranteed to reach the knockout stages.
Spain just needed to avoid defeat to secure top spot in Group D. Alvaro Morata grabbed a seventh minute goal that should have had Spain cruising towards a last-16 tie against a third-placed team. At Parc des Princes, Gomez was thrust into Germany's starting XI after Loew's side laboured to a 0-0 draw against Poland last week. The on-loan Besiktas striker repaid his coach's faith with the only goal. Germany dominated, with Thomas Mueller, who set up Gomez's goal, twice firing against the woodwork in the first half. Northern Ireland goalkeeper Michael McGovern pulled off several saves to limit the damage.
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