France vs Romania
Dimitri Payet’s late 20 yard out strike gave France the start they were looking for to kick off the Euros . After a star studded opening ceremony at the Stad de France on Friday, the hosts faced their first match against Romania in Group A’s first encounter. The French lacked fluidity in their play as a resolute and well anchored Romanian side made it tougher for the French to make any clear chances. The first half ended goal-less. Olivier Giroud managed to head in a cross from Dimitri Payet in the 58th minute to put the French in the lead. The Romanians responded instantaneously as Patrice Evra clipped Nicolae Stanciu inside the box and the referee deemed it worthy of a penalty, which the Gençlerbirliği player, Bodgan Stancu converted into a goal. All seemed lost uptill the 89th minute when Payet displayed an individual brilliance to score from 20yards out, netting the ball in the top right corner leaving Ciprian Tătăruşanu helpless but to look on as the French claimed their first victory.
Switzerland vs Albania
The second match of the Euros Group A saw Switzerland take on Albania on Saturday at Lens. There was no love lost on the pitch as the Albanian captain, Lorik Cana, received a second yellow in the 38th minute after handling the ball. The Swiss took an early lead through Schar’s header from a corner however failed to capitalize on numerous chances to double their lead. The Albanian’s stringer together many chances however their up front men failed to convert them into anything substantial especially Armando Sadiku and Skhklzen Gashi who missed some golden opportunities. However this does not take anything away from Yann Sommer who had an amazing game in goal for the Swiss.
Wales vs Slovakia
The second game on Saturday saw the Welsh compete against the Slovakians in Bordeaux. The Euros hold great significance for the Welsh side who return to the tournament after a 58 year absence. A Gareth Bale and Aron Ramsey inspired performance meant that Wales begin their Euros campaign on a high. An early in dipping free kick from Gareth Bale put them in front. The Welsh led many attacks at the Slovakian goal whose average age of 31 meant they couldn’t cope with the pace from the Welsh attacks. However the Slovaks equalised with the help of a goal from Ondre Duda. Aaron Ramsey’s late exhausting run toe poked the ball for Kanu who converted it into a goal to give Wales a deserving 2-1 victory and a strong footing in the table.
England vs Russia
The last game on Saturday saw England taking on Russia. The English side are the youngest in the tournament which was surely prominent with their attacking all out style of play, however they had to wait until 73rd minute to get on the score line courtesy of a Eric Dier’s free kick. England were seemingly heading for a victory until a late stoppage time header from Vasili Berezutski which deflated the English spirit who had to settle for a point. This seems to be the story for the English side who have now failed to get a good start to a major Euros finals tournament.
