France started their 2016 UEFA European championship campaign at home against Romania and it turned out to be a very competitive game as expected before the kickoff. France started with Payet in the starting lineup with Martial settling for a place on the bench. France controlled the possession but failed to create consistant chances in the final third. Romania defended deep and tried to catch france on the counter attacks. Giroud finally broke the deadlock with a nicely taken goal but the lead was shot lived as Stancu scored from the spot to put Romania back on level terms. Payet produced a late goal to win for France.
France 2-1 Romania Highlights
[ Euro 2016 – Group A ]
58′ 1 – 0 Olivier Giroud scored after the break to put France 1-0 up in 60th minute.
65′ 1 – 1 (pen.) Bogdan Stancu scored from the penalty after Evra brought down Romanian player inside the box
89′ 2 – 1 Dimitri Payet late goal secured all three points for France.
Just when it looked like Game is about to finish 1-1 on the night Dimitri Payet popped up with a goal to give France their first win of the tournament and start on a winning note.
Match Highlights
Short Match Preview: France are coming into this game on the back of 5 wins in their last 6 friendly games and their only defeat was against England at the Wembley Stadium back in November 2015 and that was the only time they failed to score as well if we take their recent 6 games into account. Didier Deschamps has installed a winning mentality with attacking style of play in this french side who has scored atleast 2 goals in five of the last 6 matches they have played. Comfortable victories against Netherlands, Russia, Cameroon and Scotland in the build up to the big event will only enhance their confidence.
Romania on the other hand qualified as runners-up behind Northern Ireland in the group F of Euro 2016 qualifiers. They went 10 games without a defeat and finished just 1 point behind group leaders. However they have only won 2 of the 6 friendlies leading up to the 2016 Euros. Switzerland and Albania makes up the Group A and both France and Romania will be looking to start their european championship campaign with a win.
France has enjoyed superb run of form leading upto to the European championship and they will be favourite to top the group A
Team News & Possible Lineups: French coach Deschamps has some selection headech but its a positive one with so many talented players available at his disposal as far as their attack is concerned. Olivier Giroud is expected to start upfront with Antoine Griezmann and Coman playing just behind him. Three man midfield of Kante, Matuidi and Pogba will provide much needed efficiency in central areas.
Romania on the other hand is expected to lineup with 4-2-3-1 formation. Andone to play upfront with trio of Stancu, Popa and Sanciu playing in attacking roles behind him.
Match Predictions: Romania has not enjoyed the best of form leading up to the tournament but they have a squad full capable enough of causing the first upset in the 2016 tournament. French side either blow hot or cold in big events and its remain to be seen what French side will take the field. Playing at home, France will be heavy favourite and that comes with its own pressure. I expect Romania to make a game of it and I am sitting on a fence in this one with a 1-1 draw.