Payet rescues France with Romanian rocket in Euro 2016 opener

Unsettled by that direct Romanian threat, Les Bleus took time to find their rhythm and Giroud saw a near post free header from a stood-up Payet cross drop wide.

Antoine Griezmann spurned further French openings; first when two Romanian defenders failed to cut out Bacary Sagna’s right-wing centre, who was released from full back by a visionary Paul Pogba pass. The Atletico Madrid attacker nodded against the upright.

Payet later linked up with Griezmann, and he fired narrowly wide from 12 yards with 10 minutes to go before the break. Giroud also saw his unmarked header from a stoppage time corner sail over.

Giroud grabs opener, Stancu levels from spot

Stancu saw another opportunity to punish Les Bleus profligacy go begging after the break, after chesting down but volleying wide when found with a clean sight of Lloris’ goal from another Stanciu crossfield ball that took out the home defence.

Ciprian Tatarusanu then made two key saves down the other end, first a routine stop from Giroud and then plunging palms to thwart Pogba from range after a fine French team move, but the Romanian rearguard that had rode their luck was finally beaten before the hour.

VIDEO: France's goal by Giroud head. pic.twitter.com/JPI0Yr9Dw0

— KING ÖF LÖNDÖN (@goonerszone) June 10, 2016

Payet crossed from the right and Giroud got above the goalie to flick his header home to send the Stade de France into ferment. Les Bleus’ lead lasted just eight minutes, however.

Patrice Evra, France’s most experienced player, caught Stanciu late in the box and referee Viktor Kassai pointed to the spot. Stancu finally beat Lloris with his third effort to restore Romanian parity.

Payet puts name on back pages

Yep. It was the winning goal. So deserved for Payet. https://t.co/sD0xsW19LA

— UNILAD Football (@UNILADFooty) June 10, 2016

And so it remained level until two minutes from time when Payet unleashed a rocket of a shot from 20 yards that flew into the top corner, sparking wild celebrations among home fans.

France remain strong odds-on 1/6 favourites to win Group A, with neighbours Switzerland first in action against Albania on Saturday.

Les Bleus are also still rated 3/1 with Coral to win the Euros, but will have to conduct themselves in more convincing fashion than here to prove worthy of that price.

Related

You’ll find comprehensive coverage of Euro 2016 on Coral’s dedicated page.