A disappointing France laboured to a hard-fought 2-0 win over a fearless Albania at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille.
Stoppage time goals from Antoine Griezmann and Dimitri Payet proved the difference on the night, sparing Les Bleus’ blushes for a second consecutive game.
Chances were at a premium during the first half, with Les Blues unable to register a shot on target.
Opportunities increased in the second period, with Ermir Lenjani appearing to get something on cross which struck the upright, while at the other end Paul Pogba and Olivier Giroud missed glorious chances.
However, Albania’s resistance would finally be broken when Antoine Griezmann connecting with Adil Rami’s cross, netting a glancing header which lobbed into the back-of-the-net.
Payet then added a second on the counter-attack, cutting inside and curling his effort into the far corner and somewhat flattering the score line.
The result sees France move outright top of the group and become the first country to qualify for the knockout phase of the Euros.
Deschamps’s tactics initially backfires
In the lead up to the match, speculation intensified French boss Didier Deschamps was going to revert to a different system as well as drop two of his most high profile players. Both Juventus prodigy Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann of Atletico Madrid started proceedings on the bench, following their uninspiring performances against a disciplined Romania outfit at the Stade de France. Replacing them were the inexperienced, but dynamic duo of 20-year-old Kingsley Coman and the 20-year-old Anthony Martial. However, the latter failed to impress and withdrawn at the interval for Pogba.
The former World Cup winner also altered his formation, electing to instil a 4-2-3-1 rather than his traditional 4-3-3 set up. There was precious little evidence to suggest the variation in formation helped France, as they struggled to again break down a well-organised side. Pogba was brought on in attacking midfield and looked to make a statement of intent, driving forward at every possible moment. It forced Dimitri Payet on the left who was just as effective, while Griezmann superseded Coman to eventually settle the contest with his header.
Albania defensively resolute
Similar to its game against Switzerland, the Albanians were resolute and resilient in defence, despite losing. Gianni De Biasi set up with a 4-5-1 and it worked, frustrating the hosts and limiting them to just half chances. They personified solidity and the centre-back pairing of Arlind Ajeti and Mergim Mavraj were instrumental in thwarting any French attack, committing perfectly-timed tackles and blocks. Ajeti especially won plaudits for his desperation and intensity inside his own penalty area and will likely command a move away from his recently relegated club team Frosinone.
Burim Kukeli in the centre of the park was also immense and screened the back four with rigour and verve. The veteran at 32 was terrific during the first half and disrupted any of France’s attacking forays. He did pick up a yellow for his exploits and as a result will miss his nation’s final group stage match against Romania in Lyon.
Should France still be considered favourites?
After successive insipid displays of leaving it late to claim the three points, should France remain odds on to win their third European championship? The French were staring down the precipice of a scoreless draw with minnows Albania and piling further pressure on Deschamps. But like any potential champion side, they showed all the characteristics of a team that never gave up and believed in its ability. Ultimately it is early in the tournament and at this point in time, winning is the only thing that takes precedent. Deschamps will hope France grow and gradually improve in the competition as each match passes, and it will be fascinating to see how they fare against superior opposition.
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