Euro 2016: N Ireland are game ball despite loss to Germany

Northern Ireland's football team has made it through to the knock-out stages of Euro 2016 despite losing out to Germany in their last group game.

Turkey's 2-0 victory over Czech Republic means the Green and White Army marches on to the last 16 as one of the best four third-placed sides. A big result tonight for the Republic against Italy in Lille and the whole island will be en fête.

It was a day when the faithful paraded to the Parc des Princes stadium with joy and hope in their hearts but returned to the bars and cafes a little deflated.

Even to lose by 1-0 to the world champions was no disgrace, such was the power and menace of the German attack. But for the amazing heroics of goalkeeper Michael McGovern and the defence, allied to a little rub of the green, it could have been a hammering.

Tuesday had some resonances of loyalism’s biggest day, the Twelfth of July, as the two sets of supporters marched to Parc des Princes beneath their flags. There was a very big and colourful parade that went along a non-traditional route of the avenues and boulevards of Paris - and no one was annoyed.

In addition to the ubiquitous “Will Grigg’s on fire, your defence is terrified” chant, the Green and White Army also belted out, “There were 10 German bombers in the air and the RAF from Ulster shot them down”.

The Germans weren’t bothered: they were confident their big Juncker strike force would resist the little Northern Spitfires, as they did.

It was all a riot, but in a Parisian joie de vivre sort of way.

Deputy DUP leader Nigel Dodds and his MEP wife Diane were in the crowd, struck by the atmosphere and antics.

"It's fantastic to be here," said Mr Dodds. "Even the camaraderie between the German and Northern Ireland fans is absolutely fantastic. I have never experienced anything like it. There is a joy to it all - it's the best thing that could happen to the country."

Also present, for his first Northern Ireland game, was Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, who is hoping for a better result for the Republic when they play Italy in their must-win game tonight.

He was full of praise for both sets of green-jerseyed fans. “The way the Northern fans and Republic fans have come together wherever they meet is fantastic. It sends a powerful message about the unifying nature of sport.”