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.
Punter
Guest
There is Messi & then there is the rest of the world.
als
Guest
ok... Messi comes in after injury and within about half an hour he scores 3 goals and provides 1 goal assist.
als
Guest
Messi is unreal....
AZ_RBB
Guest
The problems that have been reported have been largely between English and Marseille fans. The Marseille fans have travelled to where the English fans are based to taunt them and the well-oiled English fans are retaliating. How hard is it to behave?
Punter
Guest
Go Russia!!!
Punter
Guest
Already some problems with English fans in Marseilles overnight.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
This time tomorrow morning Poms v Russia. There might be more fireworks amongst the fans outside the stadium than inside - hope not. Great way to open the tourno with what might become goal of Euro2016.
als
Guest
The best of the best of over 200 million Footballers worldwide. Competition drives quality and cardio to unbelievable levels. I sometimes watch second division Football from various countries, and I'm amazed just how close they have come to first division in all aspects of the game over the last few decades.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Anyways time for some sleep! Argentina v Panama in 5ish hrs.
AZ_RBB
Guest
It blows my mind how athletes are able to do things like that. 89th minute of a tense game in front of 80k supporters and you hit a ball from outside of the box with hardly a sight of goal and bury it in the far top corner. Unbelievable. What a footballer.
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
FULLTIME: France 2-1 Romania Thank you everyone for your company this morning. It has been a thoroughly enjoyable opening to Euro 2016 - which the Roar will continue to bring to you. Tomorrow's action features Albania and Switzerland from 11pm tonight, followed by Wales and Slovakia at 2am, and finally ending with England v Russia at 5am, which is the game I will be up for once again. At fulltime at Saint Denis, this Group A fixture has finished France 2-1 Romania. A very good morning and happy long weekend to all of you!
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
Fulltime is called, and it's Dimitri Payet who is the hero of Paris. 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 Bleues. FULLTIME: France 2-1 Romania
Stevo
Roar Rookie
LOLz
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'90+3: Time is nearly up in Saint Denis, as Romania cannot come back from this. Indeed, Sissoko nearly pulls off a counterattack, but shoots wide. That would have been curtains, but the ball is not leaving French feet now. Fulltime is not too far now, as the three minutes are well over now. France 2-1 Romania
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'90+1: You can question the quality of some Payet's dead ball work, but his support in open play has been nothing short of outstanding. He needed no support there, it was all on his own! The stadium as one as they applaud off Dimitri Payet, who is given the final few minutes off, and replaced by Moussa Sissoko. SUBSTITUTION (FRANCE) OFF: 8. Payet ON: 18. Sissoko France 2-1 Romania
AZ_RBB
Guest
We’ve got Payet, Dimitri Payet! I just don’t think you understand. He’s Didier's man, He’s better than Zidane. We’ve got Dimtri Payet!
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'89: What a statement this is! The play meanders along. Kante rolls it forward a few yards to Payet - his back to goal, a turn, a look, and a seismic bullet into the top right corner past Tatarusanu, who could nothing about it! Romania's dream start snatched away, and France get a second to likely win this! And what a way to win it! France 2-1 Romania
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Hahahahahaha WHAT A GOAL!!!!! Payet take a bow.
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'89: GOAL - FRANCE DIMITRI PAYET WITH A SCREAMER! France 2-1 Romania
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
'87: Precious minutes remaining for France, desperate for a winner. This would be a golden result for Romania. On balance, they can call themselves lucky with this, as it reflects more a catalogue of wasted opportunities by France to put this to bed in the first half. But there is still time, little of it but. France 1-1 Romania