Hosts France defeated Romania 2-1 in the opening game of the 2016 UEFA European Championship on Friday.
Olivier Giroud put France ahead before Nicolae Stancu equalised from the penalty spot.
Dimitri Payet then decided the game with a superb goal to seal the win for France late in the match.
Romania came very close to taking the lead in the fourth minute off a corner through Stancu but Hugo Lloris made a point-blank save.
Giroud had France's first real opportunity in the 11th minute only to head Payet's cross inches wide.
Antoine Griezman had a chance to put France ahead on 14 minutes but his header came off the post.
Some minutes later, Griezman went close again, meeting Payet's low cross which was deflected away into touch.
Towards the end of the first half, Giroud's header went just over the bar.
In the 48th minute, Stancu had a glorious chance for Romania after beating the offside trap but his aatempted bicycle kick went narrowly wide.
Payet on 51 minutes slipped a pass to Giroud but his left foot strike was well saved by Romania's keeper.
Paul Pogba had a good chance from the edge of the box, hitting Payet's cross which was parried away by Romania's keeper.
France eventually went in front on 58 minutes after Giroud headed in Payet's cross.
Romania drew level through Stancu who converted a 64th minute penalty after Evra committed a foul in the 18-yard box.
A minute later France made their first change, bringing on with Kingsley Coman replacing Griezman.
France made their second change in the 77th minute with Anthony Martial going in for Pogba.
Martial hit a low shot after he was teed up by Giroud in the 81st minute which Romania keeper saved.
With two minutes left, Payet struck a left-foot screamer to put France 2-1 in front.
Substitute Moussa Sissoko almost extended France's lead after a break away but sent his shoot wide.
France' s next game will be against debutantes Albania on Wednesday.
Romania will square off against Switzerland also on Wednesday.
The post Giroud, Payet Score As France Beat Romania In Euros Opener appeared first on Complete Sports Nigeria.
from fornaija.com http://ift.tt/1PkRTWn
via fornaija
No comments:
Post a Comment