Host nation France entertain Romania in the opening match of Euro 2016, looking to get its campaign off on the right foot at the Stade de France.
Didier Deschamps knows all too well about the pressure it takes to win an international tournament on home soil, after captaining Les Bleus to glory at the 1998 World Cup. Expectations will be high for France who are considered one of the favourites to claim the Henri Delaunay Trophy at the same stadium in a month’s time.
In the friendlies leading up to the Euros, France have illustrated the plethora of attacking talent it has at their disposal – yet to lose in 2016. Finding the back-of-the-net certainly will not come at a premium, but defensively could be its Achilles heel. The side has been ravaged by injuries in defence with Raphael Varane, Aymeric Laporte and Kurt Zouma the notable absentees.
Meanwhile, Romania return to its first major tournament since Euro 2008, after remaining unbeaten in the qualification phase. Incidentally, the Tricolorii were pitted in the same group with France eight years ago with the clash ending 0-0. In his third stint at the helm, coach Anghel Iordanescu will draw on his previous experiences to try and get his country out of a relatively even group with the exception of France. The Romanians are the clear underdog in this tie and a promising outing, regardless of the result, should give them confidence moving forward.
Key Battle – Paul Pogba vs Ciprian Tatarusanu
The swashbuckling Juventus star will bear the responsibility of being the creative spark from midfield. The 23-year-old is the lynchpin connecting the midfield with the attack, with the whole nation anticipating he can carry is stunning domestic form on the international stage. Pogba has the potential to turn a match on its head, particularly from a long-range strike to break a deadlock.
As for Tatarusanu it could be a case of damage limitation. The Fiorentina gloveman will likely be bracing himself for a barrage of shots at the Romania goal. France will control the game and you would not be forgiven for thinking the 30-year-old will be in for an eventful evening between the sticks.
Team News
Deschamps is predicted to employ a 4-3-3 system and name his strongest possible line-up. Adil Rami will partner Laurent Koscielny in defence, while N’Golo Kante should get the nod ahead of Moussa Sissoko. Olivier Giroud will spearhead the attack with Antoine Griezmann on the wing.
France Expected Starting XI (4-3-3): Lloris (GK); Sagna, Rami, Koscielny, Evra; Kante, Pogba, Matuidi; Payet, Giroud, Griezmann.
Iordanescu will utilise a 4-2-3-1 formation with a two-man pivot protecting the defence. Journeyman Razvan Rat will occupy the left-back spot. Gabriel Torje has the most pedigree in midfield, but may start on the bench in favour of Adrian Popa.
Romania Expected Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Tatarusanu (GK); Sapunaru, Chiriches, Grigore, Rat; Pintilii, Hoban; Popa, Stanciu, Stancu; Andone.
Head-to-Head
France and Romania have met on 15 occasions with Les Bleus winning seven and drawing five of those encounters.
Previous Meeting
The last time these two sides met in a competitive fixture occurred in 2011 with neither team able to breach its opponent, as the match finished in a goalless stalemate.
Prediction
France will probably begin the match on the front foot, implementing a high-pressing game. However, at the same time they could be vulnerable on the break, particularly with a geriatric and suspect back four. Nevertheless, expect nothing less than a Les Bleus victory.
France 2 Romania 0
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