Germany's Loew hopeful Boateng will be fit for last 16

Football Soccer - Northern Ireland v Germany - EURO 2016 - Group C - Parc des Princes, Paris, France - 21/6/16 Germany's Mario Gomez celebrates after scoring their first goal REUTERS/John Sibley

PARIS (Reuters) - Germany coach Joachim Loew is confident key centre back Jerome Boateng will be fit for his side's last-16 encounter despite coming off with a calf problem during Tuesday's 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland.

Boateng has been instrumental at the back for the Germans, who have yet to concede a goal at the tournament.