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When fulltime was called in the first match of Euro 2016, it was Dimitri Payet who was the hero of Paris.
REPORT: PAYET STUNNER HELPS FRANCE FLOOR ROMANIA
Romania’s valiant defiance was nearly rewarded with a point, but it was the seismic thunderbolt from 15 yards by West Ham’s Dimitri Payet, after Olivier Giroud’s second half header was shortly cancelled out by Bogdan Stancu’s penalty.
In the end, it is the win that France was banking on that nearly slipped away. All is well that ends well however for Les Bleus.
Final score
France 2
Romania 1
The 15th edition of the UEFA European Championship kicks off as hosts France meet Romania at the Stade de France in Paris. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 4:45am (AEST).
Memories of 1998 glory loom as France welcomes a month-long carnival of football.
The man who lifted the World Cup that July evening, Didier Deschamps, is now entrenched in Les Bleus dugout, calling the shots.
France enter the Euros in fine form, having won their last two pre-tournament matches, against Cameroon and Scotland, convincingly.
While Romania undoubtedly present a sterner test, the verve of the French, coupled with enthusiasm from the locals, should be sufficient to begin in style.
Manager Deschamps has a strong side to call on, even without the likes of Karim Benzema, Raphael Varane, Kevin Gameiro, Lassana Diarra, Mathieu Valbuena and Mamadou Sakho.
4-4-1-1 will likely be the preferred formation, with Olivier Giroud likely to be tucked behind Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann as a forward duo.
In the midfield, the likes of N’Golo Kante, Yohan Cabaye and Dimitri Payet will partner the enterprising pair of Blaise Matuidi and Paul Pogba, while in defence Adil Rami should be alongside Laurent Koscielny as the central two.
If there is a weakness, it can be found from the lack of pace from veterans Patrice Evra and Bacary Sagna, with Christophe Jallet and Samuel Umtiti worthy alternatives.
For Romanian boss Anghel Iordanescu, the emphasis will be on gaining at least a point in order to secure easier passage to the next stage.
Captain Vlad Chiriches will likely be partnered by veteran Razvan Rat in the heart of defence, while a five-man midfield may be used in order to nullify the in-form French. Gabriel Torje should take the central midfield role and Ovidiu Hoban will likely be tucked behind Torje to prevent French counterattacks.
Steaua duo Mihai Pintilii and Alexandru Chipciu will be charged with occupying the spots ahead of Torje to set up opportunities for Bogdan Stancu. It will, however, be a defensive set up from Iordanescu, who will target the easier contest against Albania to grab the three points needed to progress.
Prediction
For all 24 sides, the task of progression in Euro 2016 is made somewhat easier given that four third-placed sides will also enter the Round of 16. However, France really must win to reaffirm their top billing in world football.
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