Payet's late goal sinks Romania

By Warren Zammit

Romania had the first opportunity to score the first goal in the Euro 2016 competition after just four minutes when after a corner, Lloris had to make an excellent save on Stancu’s header from close range.

France answered back on the 11th minute when Payet picked Giroud from the left, but the unmarked striker headed wide. France kept moving forward, and on the 14th Minute, from Sagna’s cross, Griezmann tried to make contact with the ball which rebounded off Chirches and the Atletico Madrid player headed against the post in his second attempt on goal.

Nearing the end of the first half, France created two other opportunities on goal. The first one came on the 36th minute when Griezmann missed the near post after Sapura’s crucial block. The next attempt came two minutes into the additional time when from Payet’s corner, Giroud headed over.

The second half started like the first with Romania trying to shock the hosts when on the 48th minute, Stancu managed to beat the offside trap, but his ambitious half-volley missed the target. However, France kept building on their possession and from Payet’s creative play, Pogba forced a great save from Tatarusanu on the 57th minute.

A minute later, France went ahead when Payet showed his creative skills again in finding Giroud who headed home past the Romanian goalkeeper. The party didn’t last long as on the 64th minute, Evra tripper Stancu and Kassai had no choice but to point to the spot. From the penalty, Stancu made no mistake and Romania levelled things up.

Stancu’s first competitive goal for Romania since October 2014 made Didier Deschamp a worried man, who immediately involved Coman in the game who took Griezmann’s place. Such change made Coman, the youngest player who had ever played in a major tournament.

Although France had a lot of possession, they could do nothing against Romania organised defence. On the 80th minute, Martial who replaced Pogba, tried a low shot which was easily picked up by Tatarusanu. When the game seemed to be heading for a draw, Payet who can be easily identified as France best player on the night, scored a magnificent goal on the 89th minute after receiving the ball from Kante. Romania, tried again, but France controlled them well in the last moments of the game to take with them 3 vital points.

Yellow cards:

Chirches (Romania), Rat (Romania), Popa (Romania), Giroud (France).