With France heading for disappointment, Dimitri Payet unleashed a sensational goal to rescue the European Championship hosts who claimed a 2-1 win over Romania in an emotional opening match, says a report in The Business Standard.
In a packed Stade de France surrounded by thousands of police guarding against a repeat of the Novermber 13 attacks on Paris, coach Didier Deschamps said a nation's expectations had weighed heavily. "The players felt it and that imposes obligations. Psychologically it was not easy to manage but we were rewarded" with the win, he said.
According to a report in The Mid-Day, Olivier Giroud put France ahead in the 58th minute only for Romania to equalise through Bogdan Stancu's penalty seven minutes later. “The match was destined to a draw till Payet scored with a superb long range shot in the 90th. France and Romania were locked 0-0 at halftime at the Stade de France. French striker Antoine Griezmann had the best chance of the first 45 minutes when he hit the post with a header. The Atletico Madrid star hit the woodwork in the 14th minute in their Group A match. Full back Bacary Sagna curled in an inviting cross from the right flank that deflected off Romania defender Vlad Chiriches into the path of Griezmann. Griezmann missed to provide the finishing touches to the cross in his first attempt and then saw his header from close crash onto the post,” says the report.
Griezmann had another good opportunity from Payet's cutback pass but his effort went wide. France were more threatening, with Griezmann's strike partner Olivier Giroud directing two headers wide.
