France vs Romania Euro 2016 as it happened: West Ham's Dimitri Payet scores stunning goal to earn 2-1 win
Dimitri Payet spared France's blushes as the West Ham star scored a superb goal to earn a late win for Les Bleus against Romania in the opening game of Euro 2016.
The Stade de France was set for an emotionally charged night, and Payet netted the winner from range after Bogdan Stancu had equalised against the hosts following Olivier Giroud's opener.
Teams
France starting XI: Lloris, Sagna, Koscielny, Rami, Evra, Kante, Matuidi, Pogba, Griezmann, Payet, Giroud.
Romania starting XI: Tatarusanu, Sapunaru, Grigore, Chiriches, Rat, Hoban, Pintilii, Stanciu, Popa, Stancu, Andone.
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What they said
Didier Deschamps: “In a big competition you have to strike the right balance and defend well. During our training camps, training sessions we have focused on having an effective defensive unit.
“I picked these players. I know their qualities, there are players with different characteristics, we’ve been able to score a lot of goals and create a lot of problems for the opponents."
Anghel Iordanescu: “Given the ability of their players I think France are one of the favourites for this tournament. I expect France to begin the match in an aggressive fashion.
"I’m sure my players are ready and determined to overcome these spells of pressure and domination from the opposition we are likely to face."
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In Pictures: France vs Romania
In Pictures: France vs Romania
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Dimitri Payet and Olivier Giroud celebrate the West Ham star's wonder goal.
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Payet can't believe his stunning strike.
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Didier Deschamps congratulates Payet.
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The West Ham magician left the pitch in tears.
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Payet is mobbed by joyous team-mates.
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Dimitri Payet scored a magical late winner.
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Woe for France after giving away their lead so quickly.
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Bogdan Stancu makes it 1-1 from the spot.
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Delight for Romania after a hard-fought equaliser.
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Olivier Giorud heads in the opener.
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The Arsenal forward was overjoyed.
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Antoine Griezmann hits the post for France.
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Dimitri Payet tries to keep the ball in play.
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Didier Deschamps' France XI line up prior to kickoff.
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Adil Rami keeps possession on the stretch.
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Hugo Lloris makes a stunning early stop.
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The French defence looked nervy as Lloris was forced to bail them out.
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Giroud looks for an answer.
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Olivier Giroud was frustrated as he spurned an early chance.
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Giroud and Griezmann both went close for France in the first half.
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Didier Deschamps looks on ahead of the opener.
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David Guetta gets the crowd pumped up.
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One fan can't contain his wonder.
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It was an intriguing opening ceremony...
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Are you not entertained?!
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The opening ceremony went from strength to strength.
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A young Bleus fan shows his passion.
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A French supporter wishes the players and her nation good luck.
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The French supporters were in fine voice.
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An array of eclectic costumes graces the opening ceremony.
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Romania fans were't there to just let France coast to a win.
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Pre-match passion.
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Face paint was generously applied.
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