Euro 2016 - Dimitri Payet changes the mood of the evening

France’s start to the Euro looked set to end in frustration, but Dimitri Payet’s one hell of a swing off the left-boot changed the mood of the evening. With the 90 minutes almost up, and Romania, looking value for a draw, Payet picked up possession outside the area, jinked inside and let fly. The shot flew unerringly into the far, top corner and France ebbed away the frustration in the twinkle of an eye.

I don’t think it was a wise decision to leave Karim Benezema as most of the times, his absence was felt heavily. Pogba struggled to control the midfield while Giroud, even though he scored the first goal of the championship, was found wanting as chances went begging. Moreover, Patric Evra was one of the weakest links for France last evening. They need fresh faces in the defence.

Even though, this French team is the favorites, but they lack the flair of Platini and Zidane’s team and I believe, they need to do a lot of hard work to lift their game in the upcoming games.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar