France vs. Romania: Dimitri Payet wins Euro 2016 opener for Les Bleus

Most of the cognoscenti assumed that this match would follow a pretty rigid script: Romania would park the bus, and France’s defense might get exposed should Romania break forward. Romania ripped up the script in the first five minutes, pushing forward and exposing the tenuous abilities of center back Adil Rami, and only a Hugo Lloris wonder save kept Romania off the board:

Payet’s lack of experience out wide showed up more than a few times in the first half. His forward instincts often left Patrice Evra exposed with little defensive cover, and many of Romania’s attacks came through overloads down that flank.

He’d created the opening goal before that, as well as a half-dozen other chances. And he hit this strike with his weaker foot. He’s incredible.

The thousands of French fans gathered outside the Eiffel Tower to watch the game fully appreciated the spectacular goal. The celebration was on in full.

Didier Deschamps’ decision to make Giroud the first-choice striker in the absence of Karim Benzema has been met with widespread criticism, which only continued throughout the game leading up to this point. Giroud missed three great chances before this one, but finally converted to give his team the lead. It’s his eighth goal in his last eight games for Les Bleus.

Unfortunately for Les Bleus, they conceded a penalty to Romania mere minutes later, losing their lead. They’ll need some more magic to win their opener.