THE GOAL WAS a thing of beauty and gave France the three points but Dimitri Payet’s outpouring of emotion as he was immediately substituted was something to behold too.
We grow accustomed to modern footballers and their quirks and idiosyncrasies. Many have lost faith in football these days and the disconnect that exists between players and fans.
They seem motivated only by fame and fortune, or so the story goes.
He was overwhelmed at the magnitude of what he’d just done, probably taken aback at the reception by his country’s fans and definitely putting his last few years into context as he walked to the touchline.
He seemed to be drifting at Lille before recovering and winning a move to Marseille where he excelled. But he was still unable to get much of an opportunity with his country.
Yet, here he was in 2016, at the age of 29, finally on a big stage and taking the game by the scruff of its neck.
It was just a lovely moment.
France have problems but will be glad the opening game is over
It’s worth remembering that the hosts are missing plenty of players through injury and still can count on a glittering array of talent.
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But they can creak at the back.
Patrice Evra showed his age on a few occasions and struggled with 1-on-1 situations while there was a moment of ill-advised stupidity when he conceded a ridiculously cheap penalty that could’ve cost his team dearly.
Thibault Camus / AP/Press Association Images
Thibault Camus / AP/Press Association Images / AP/Press Association Images
And there were others who struggled to find their rhythm too.
Paul Pogba was sacrificed as Didier Deschamps changed things following Romania’s equaliser, as was Antoine Griezmann and those two won’t lack much motivation against Albania as the critics will point some fingers in the aftermath of tonight’s assignment.
But this was the opener.
There was an inevitable anxiety for the hosts and it was understandable.
It was an emotional night in Paris for many reasons and with France the favorites to win outright, the anticipation isn’t easy to deal with sometimes.
Still, there are reasons to be very happy.
Michael Sohn
Michael Sohn
Deschamps was forced to change things and should get credit for backing himself regarding the the high-profile substitutions and tweaking the system.
He dropped Matuidi alongside Kante, stretched Romania with the introduction of two wide attackers in Coman and Martial and had Payet play off Giroud’s shoulder.
Ultimately, it took a superb strike to win it but it came from Payet in a central zone and finding a pocket of space.
Earlier he had been roaming – popping up on various flanks – but proved why he’s so devastating when central and closer to goal.
Romania will fancy their chances after spirited display
With the expanded tournament, the best third-placed teams come into the equation and even a 2-1 loss in the opener is a confidence-builder for the Romanians.
They would have pinpointed the Albania game as a must-win and the Swiss fixture as a chance of getting a draw.
PA WIRE
PA WIRE
Anything against France would’ve been a big bonus and, although there will be disappointment at the way in which they lost – the concession of a very late winner – it doesn’t change too much for the group.
Perhaps the Swiss will take them a little more seriously when the sides face each other in five days’ time.
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Dimitri Payet conjures iconic tournament moment and other Euro 2016 talking points
Payet’s tears of joy will live long in the memory
THE GOAL WAS a thing of beauty and gave France the three points but Dimitri Payet’s outpouring of emotion as he was immediately substituted was something to behold too.
We grow accustomed to modern footballers and their quirks and idiosyncrasies. Many have lost faith in football these days and the disconnect that exists between players and fans.
They seem motivated only by fame and fortune, or so the story goes.
But Payet conjured something different tonight.
He was overwhelmed at the magnitude of what he’d just done, probably taken aback at the reception by his country’s fans and definitely putting his last few years into context as he walked to the touchline.
He seemed to be drifting at Lille before recovering and winning a move to Marseille where he excelled. But he was still unable to get much of an opportunity with his country.
Yet, here he was in 2016, at the age of 29, finally on a big stage and taking the game by the scruff of its neck.
It was just a lovely moment.
France have problems but will be glad the opening game is over
It’s worth remembering that the hosts are missing plenty of players through injury and still can count on a glittering array of talent.
But they can creak at the back.
Patrice Evra showed his age on a few occasions and struggled with 1-on-1 situations while there was a moment of ill-advised stupidity when he conceded a ridiculously cheap penalty that could’ve cost his team dearly.
And there were others who struggled to find their rhythm too.
Paul Pogba was sacrificed as Didier Deschamps changed things following Romania’s equaliser, as was Antoine Griezmann and those two won’t lack much motivation against Albania as the critics will point some fingers in the aftermath of tonight’s assignment.
But this was the opener.
There was an inevitable anxiety for the hosts and it was understandable.
It was an emotional night in Paris for many reasons and with France the favorites to win outright, the anticipation isn’t easy to deal with sometimes.
Still, there are reasons to be very happy.
Deschamps was forced to change things and should get credit for backing himself regarding the the high-profile substitutions and tweaking the system.
He dropped Matuidi alongside Kante, stretched Romania with the introduction of two wide attackers in Coman and Martial and had Payet play off Giroud’s shoulder.
Ultimately, it took a superb strike to win it but it came from Payet in a central zone and finding a pocket of space.
Earlier he had been roaming – popping up on various flanks – but proved why he’s so devastating when central and closer to goal.
Romania will fancy their chances after spirited display
With the expanded tournament, the best third-placed teams come into the equation and even a 2-1 loss in the opener is a confidence-builder for the Romanians.
They would have pinpointed the Albania game as a must-win and the Swiss fixture as a chance of getting a draw.
Anything against France would’ve been a big bonus and, although there will be disappointment at the way in which they lost – the concession of a very late winner – it doesn’t change too much for the group.
Perhaps the Swiss will take them a little more seriously when the sides face each other in five days’ time.
The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!
As it happened: France v Romania, Euro 2016
Payet’s super strike gives France victory in their Euro 2016 opener
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Analysis COMP:EURO 2016 Didier Deschamps Dimitri Payet Euro 2016 Paul Pogba France Romania