France managed to overcome a huge scare after Dimitri Payet scored a stunning goal on the 89th minute to register a 2-1 win against Romania. The occasion got to the Premier League star, who shed few tears while getting substituted right at the very end.
Shifting the attention from Payet’s brilliance to France’s lackluster performance, it must have been an eye opener for Les Blues, who were tipped as one of the pre-tournament favorites. Defense looked shaky at times while the sync between midfield and forward runners was missing for most part of the game.
Their win over Romania may have left the French camp with more questions to answer ahead of the next game than to enjoy tonight’s result. On that note, we take a look at the key talking points and things learned from France’s nervy and labored win over Romania.
Deschamps needs to understand his team
When the game was locked at 1-1, Didier Deschamps decided to take off Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba, arguably his two biggest match winners on any given day. By that point, the duo had even played well, yet were taken off.
One can understand the drastic need to change things but in doing so, no manager should end up making it even worse. Yes Payet’s goal sealed the match for France but if we go back to those two substitutions, it had done very little to alter France’s sluggish form since Romania’s equalizer
Payet could become best player at Euro 2016
Who is to counter the thought of seeing Dimitri Payet receive Euro 2016’s best player award in about a month’s time from now? His vision is second to none, he can find passes which not many can even think of. Despite being 28-year old, he has got the speed and can leave a defender dead with one simple trickery or change of direction.
Then to top it all up, he can score some wonderful goals. Payet’s influence on French team was easily seen tonight and it would not come as a surprise to me if he is awarded the best player of Euro 2016, provided France could go all the way to final or even semifinals.
Tough luck Romania
We knew beforehand that Romania will be a tough side to break down after their mean defensive record during Euro 2016 qualifying stages. However, they almost replicated the same against one of the bigger teams tonight.
Romania were unlucky to have not taken the lead in first 5 minutes and then to give away the winning goal so late in the game must have been nothing but cruel on them considering their brave display at Stade de France tonight.
France have all but sealed their knock out berth
Regardless of their lackluster win tonight, they have put 3 points on board and they should beat Albania in their next game on June 16. With these two vital results in their bag, France must now be certain to qualify for the round of 16 and push on to try and win Euro 2016 for their fans in front of their home support this summer.