The European Championships kicked off with an outstanding opening ceremony at the Stade de France. French DJ David Guetta and Swedish Singer Zara Larsson also performed ‘This One’s for you’ the official anthem for the Euro 2016 along with various other performances. Once the festivities were over , it was time for the actual action to begin.
West Ham star Dimitri Payet starred in the game as his fierce strike earned 3 points for the hosts after an Olivier Giroud goal was cancelled by Bogdan Stancu’s second half penalty.
Romania started Strongly in the first 5 minutes forcing a crucial save from the French Captain Hugo Lloris in the 4th minute. The French slowly gained momentum and dominated the first half with Antoine Griezmann coming close on two separate occasions, hitting the bar once. Olivier Giroud should have scored at the end of the first half when he headed over the bar off a Payet corner.
Overall it was a tight first half with the Romanians frustrating the hosts.
The second half had the same story with Romania starting strongly and could have taken the lead after Stancu could only volley wide after a delicious cross from the right.
The hosts eventually went in front, it was a goal made in London with West Ham’s Dimitri Payet crossing in for Arsenal’s Giroud to cross home and erupted the entire stadium.
Their joy was short lived however as a reckless challenge from the experienced Patrice gave Romania a penalty which was coolly converted with by Bogdan Stancu , beating Hugo Lloris.
A possible upset was on the cards and the introduction of youngsters Kingsley Coman and Anthony Martial did not alter the proceedings that much and the French Attack seems blunt as it was through the game.
With a minute of normal time remaining Payet hit a ferocious left footed strike to win it for the hosts breaking Romanian hearts who almost earned a hard fought point.
It was far from convincing from France and they had to dig deep to win the much needed 3 points and need to improve their game if they are to lift the the trophy on home soil. As far as Romania are concerned they showed they were no pushovers with a spirited performance and gave the French a tough time throught.
