Germany coach Joachim Loew has revealed his decision to start without a recognised striker in the 0-0 draw with Poland in Paris was inspired by their opponents’ aerial strength.

Loew named Mario Gomez among his substitutes, instead using Mario Goetze as a ‘false nine’, as his side’s inability to score left their hopes of progressing to the knock-out stages of Euro 2016 in the balance.

They remain top of Group C with four points, leading Poland only because their goal difference is superior by one, and next face Northern Ireland on Tuesday.

A positive result for Northern Ireland and for Poland against Ukraine could yet eliminate Germany, but Loew will know it could have been worse had Poland’s Arkadiusz Milik not wasted two fine goalscoring chances.

“I did not start Gomez because the Polish central defence is strong in the air, so I wanted low passing with Goetze,” said Loew – who in Germany’s two games has seen his side dominate possession without truly convincing.

“Group stage matches are attrition battles. I expect more openings in the knock-out stages. I was quite pleased with our defence but our attack did not really create many chances. But neither did they.

“Our game in the last third wasn’t fast enough. We hesitated and by the time we got there suddenly there were 10 men behind the ball.

“Crosses and balls into the box, that’s what Poland want because that’s where their strength lies.

“Bringing Goetze in made sense but we simply couldn’t impose ourselves on the game.

“We needed to attack better.

“Results in France have been close, with many goals conceded right at the end. For teams here for the first time this is the tournament of their lives.

“They fight to the end, defend with 10 players and wait for their chances.”