Euro 2016 hosts France went a goal to the good against Romania thanks to Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud’s 57th minute header, before Bogdan Stancu equalised for the visitors less than 10 minutes later.
Didier Deschamps introduced Anthony Martial and Kingsley Coman to the fray in place of Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba, but the spark was to come from one of the 2015-16 season’s standout performers.
Dimitri Payet stole the show in the 89th minute, just as the vast majority in the Stade de France had started to seriously considered the prospect of France’s poor record in opening matches continuing. His stunner from 20 yards left the football world breathless.
Here’s how Twitter reacted throughout, and it was smiles all round as Euro 2016 was primed to begin.
Forever loving Patrice Evra. pic.twitter.com/YS976KKcF4
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) June 10, 2016
Outside90’s Domenic Favata was certainly enjoying himself live from the Stade de France.
This is unreal. #FRAROU #EURO2016 pic.twitter.com/HBkTtCVdIB
— Domenic Favata (@DomFavata) June 10, 2016
Early on, it was not going to the script for the hosts who went in to the match as heavy favourites.
The Romanian team Wikipedia that we all read to write our previews did not indicate it would be this close.
— Zack Goldman (@ThatDamnYank) June 10, 2016
Kanté, on the other hand…Superb, completely unfazed, unlike some others around him.
— Philippe Auclair (@PhilippeAuclair) June 10, 2016
2 – Olivier Giroud has completed just 2 passes in the 1st half & 1 of those was kick-off. Periphery. #Euro2016 #FRA pic.twitter.com/UOF9yZJwxO
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 10, 2016
There’s a fine margin between being on the periphery and becoming a game’s star man.
Giroud with the opening goal of #EURO2016! Hopefully the first of many.. (via @itvfootball) https://t.co/kqVnxb7PtI
— Copa90 (@Copa90) June 10, 2016
However, there were suggestions of a foul on Romania goalkeeper, Ciprian Tatarusanu.
GOAL! #Fra 1-0 #Rou. #Giroud scores for a sixth match in a row for Les Bleus, though suspicion of a foul on Tatarusanu. #FRAROU
— Robin Bairner (@RBairner) June 10, 2016
Hmmmn, Bogdan Stancu has just gone and made himself a bit unpopular in France.#EURO2016 #FRAvROM pic.twitter.com/S76t3H6ZbI
— ITV (@ITV) June 10, 2016
Read more: Euro 2016 – Group A Player Ratings – France 2 Romania 1
Griezmann and Pogba the first two substituted off for France. Who would have predicted that before the game? #FRAROU pic.twitter.com/EfhuYIslnM
— Onefootball (@Onefootball) June 10, 2016
Anthony Martial comes on for France. Somewhere in Portugal a pissed up Louis Van Gaal is telling a waiter that he gave this lad his break.
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) June 10, 2016
With the game edging ever-nearer to a 1-1 draw, Martin Tyler’s suggestion that France may get one more chance, was met with a sumptuous swing of the left boot from West Ham’s Dimitri Payet.
Payet. …What a goal https://t.co/nOx0n0V7y6
— Juvefc.com (@juvefcdotcom) June 10, 2016
Payet what a strike worthy of winning any match! #EURO2016
— Gianluca Filosi (@GianlucaFilosi) June 10, 2016
Payet with tears as he comes off the pitch. A moment he'll never forget. #FRAROU
— KICK (@KICK) June 10, 2016
Dimitri Payet: Has scored or assisted 5 goals in his last 4 apps for France (3 goals, 2 assists) #FRA
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) June 10, 2016
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