Northern Ireland goalkeeper Michael McGovern becomes a free agent in the summer and he gave himself the perfect shop window with the performance of his career against Germany.
The world champions won the game in Paris 1-0 thanks to a first-half goal from Mario Gomez, though the deficit would have been far greater but for McGovern’s heroics.
The 31-year-old, whose contract at Hamilton Academicals, runs out in two weeks’ time, excelled at the Parc des Princes as Germany piled on the pressure and breached Northern Ireland‘s back line on numerous occasions.
Germany had 71% possession and 24 efforts on goal. McGovern made eight saves in total, including close-range efforts from Thomas Muller and Mario Gotze.
The dominance was so complete that midfielder Toni Kroos (121) had 11 more passes than the whole Northern Ireland team (110), while Mesut Ozil misplaced just one of his 68 passes.
By limiting Germany to just one goal, McGovern effectively secured Northern Ireland’s passage into the last 16 because of their superior goal difference.
I think Manuel Neuer would be proud of that performance - Stephen Davis
He said: “When we went 1-0 down we wanted to keep it at that and hopefully grab an equaliser because the goal difference is so important.”
McGovern revealed last week that his goal at this tournament had been to keep a clean sheet, which he achieved in the 2-0 win over Ukraine, but he admitted that he surpassed that tonight.
He said: “Personally I was a lot busier than last week when I kept a clean sheet. It’s funny how it works out. I’ve enjoyed it tonight. I’ve enjoyed the whole tournament. It’s been amazing and we just want to stay here for a bit longer.
“I did expect to be busy because we are playing the world champions and they have got so many good players and I’m happy with how it went personally and for the team.
“I thought the boys defended really well. It’s hard against such good players. It’s really difficult.”
He may not have won the official man of the match award, which went to Ozil, but he was praised by each of the Northern Ireland players as they spoke to the media afterwards.
“He tested himself today and I think Manuel Neuer would be proud of that performance,” said captain Steven Davis.
“He has been excellent in the first two games as well but he took it to another level today. You know your goalkeeper needs to play well when you are up against these sides. He certainly did that.”
A performance like that does not happen by accident and McGovern, and Northern Ireland, are reaping the rewards of the work he does with video analyst Austin MacPhee
McGovern said: “I look at their free-kicks, corners and penalties before the game. Our analysis guy Austin sends it through and I look at them.
“Then I just try to play my normal game. There’s no point in doing anything differently to a club level, even though the opposition is better.”
McGovern also praised the “unbelievable” support from the Northern Ireland fans, many of whom were still singing in the stadium almost half an hour after the final whistle.
“Every single game they have been right behind us,” he said.
“Even the first game when we didn’t perform well, they stood right behind us. I definitely think they’re the best at the tournament.
“It’s good that you see how well behaved they are as well. Typical Irish. They get on with everybody and we’re proud of them. We hope they’re here for a bit longer.”
