France’s quest to win a third European Championship got off to a positive start, despite a testing 2-1 win against Romania at the Stade de France.
An 89th minute screamer from Dimitri Payet got Didier Deschamps’ men out of trouble after they struggled to play with fluency thanks in large to Romania’s stubbornness.
Olivier Giroud initially netted the opener, before Bogdan Stancu extinguished the host’s advantage courtesy of a penalty moments later.
A nervous start from Les Bleus had almost seen them fall a goal behind following Stancu’s volleyed effort off a Romania corner.
However, Romania’s resistance would come unstuck in the second stanza when Olivier Giroud was quickest to react to Dimitri Payet’s inch-perfect cross – beating Ciprian Tatarusanu.
But a clumsy foul on Nicolae Stanciu by Patrice Evra inside the area allowed Stancu to step up and nonchalantly convert the ensuing spot-kick.
Payet, the undoubted man of the match, settled the affair with a sumptuous curling effort on his weaker left foot.
France
Hugo Lloris – 7: Made a fabulous save from point-black range to deny Stancu from taking the lead for the visitors.
Bacary Sagna – 6: Attacked with purpose from the back and offered some inviting crosses.
Adil Rami – 5: Shaky at the back and appeared out of his depth at the international level.
Laurent Koscielny – 5.5: Like Rami was tentative in possession and the lack of playing time with the Sevilla defender was palpable.
Patrice Evra – 6.5: Ventured forward whenever the chance arose, adding himself to the French attack and was rather resolute defensively.
N’Golo Kante – 6.5: Industrious as always, covering a lot of ground and by half-time had five interceptions to his name.
Paul Pogba – 5.5: With the pressure on Pogba to deliver as the midfield protagonist, he cut a frustrated figure and was passive for the most part and to his bemusement substituted.
Blaise Matuidi – 6.5: Worked tirelessly throughout proceedings and provided dynamism in the centre of the park.
Dimitri Payet – 10: Instrumental in attack, pulling the strings for Les Bleus. The West Ham technician created a catalogue of opportunities for his teammates, garnering the assist for Giroud’s goal and scoring an absolute worldie with his left foot to win the game. Outstanding.
Olivier Giroud – 6: After copping some flak for his recent performances, he did not do himself any favours when passing up two free headers.
Antoine Griezmann – 6: The Atletico Madrid star struck the upright on a follow up attempt, after initially failing to connect with Sagna’s delicious cross. Withdrawn on 65 minutes, after a subdued outing on the whole.
Substitutes
Kingsley Coman – 5.5: Replaced Griezmann and looked to provide width in attack.
Anthony Martial – 5.5: A lively spark when he was introduced for Pogba.
Moussa Sissoko – N/A: Replaced in the final minute for Payet.
Romania
Ciprian Tatarusanu – 5.5: Surprisingly was not tested until the second-half, though he was largely at fault for Giroud’s header – unable to punch the ball away to safety.
Cristian Sapunaru – 6: The former Porto defender at times lacked quality in advanced areas, highlighted by over-hitting several crosses. However, minutes executed a silky move to evade himself from the attentions of Evra and then his crucial block prevented Griezmann from going goal bound.
Vlad Chiriches – 5.5: The captain was fortuitous to remain on the park after he could have easily been brandished a second yellow card for a lunging tackle on Pogba.
Dragos Grigore – 6: Committed a vital, last-ditch interception in defence, preventing Giroud to be played in through on goal and seemed to have a solid understanding with his fellow centre-back.
Razvan Rat – 6 The experienced defender had a decent match, however was restricted after going into the referee’s notebook.
Mihai Pintilii – 5.5: Tried his luck from distance in the early stages of the match, but was inevitably overrun in midfield.
Ovidiu Hoban – 6: Screened the back four aptly and ignited attacks for Romania.
Nicolae Stanciu – 5.5: The Romanian prodigy looked ominous when he was in possession, however unfortunately did not see enough of the ball to really stamp his authority.
Adrian Popa – 6: Was comfortable on the ball and pushed forward with intent.
Bogdan Stancu – 5: Would have scored the opening goal of the tournament had it not been for a stunning save by Lloris from a corner, and then wasted a glorious opportunity after the restart. Took the responsibility to slot the penalty too.
Florin Andone – 5: Unlucky not have received a freekick after Koscielny scythed him down, but like the rest of Romania’s forwards he had precious little chances to impress.
Substitutes
Denis Alibec – 5: Replaced Andone on 61 minutes, but did not have an influence.
Alexandru Chipciu – N/A: Superseded Stanciu on 71 minutes
Gabriel Torje – N/A: Came on for Popa after 82 minutes.
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