The French team had Dmitri Payet to thank for sparing them blushes in the Euro 2016 opening match against Romania.
Considering the big names in both teams, many had expected a walk in the park for the hosts and a comprehensive beating for Romania.
The match itself was threatening to fizzle out into a very forgettable bore draw- nearing the half hour mark, it remained goalless, with Antoine Griezmann’s header against the crossbar the only spark in a dreary affair.
When the game came to life, it was through West Ham attacking midfielder Dmitri who dribbled past a defender before providing a beauty of an assist for Giroud who quickly put Les Blues ahead.
A few minutes later, Juventus defender Patrice Evra undid all the hard work when he conceded a silly penalty by tripping Stanciu. Bogdan Stancu stepped up and sent Hugo Lloris the wrong way to give Romania a chance to run away with the draw.
With the game nearing its closing minutes and with defenders backing off Payet at the edge of the box, he unleashed a beautiful and unexpected curling shot which went into the top corner and handed Les Blues a win in their opening match.
Do you have any video of that? I’d care to find out some additional information.