Paris: Midfielder Dimitri Payet smashed a stunning late winner as hosts France kicked off their European Championship with a 2-1 win over Romania here on Sunday.
After a goalless first-half, Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud put France ahead in the 58th minute of the match before Romania striker Bogdan Stancu equalized the score via penalty just seven minutes later.
It was in the 89th minute when Payet curled a sumptuous shot received from N’Golo Kante into the top corner to hand his side with a winning start in the Euro 2016 .
France will play their next match against Albania while Romania will now lock horns with Switzerland.
The hosts remains under a state of emergency after last November’s attacks on Paris, when 130 people were killed. More than 90 thousands police, soldiers and private guards are deployed at the tournament, with seven million fans expected to visit the 10 host cities.(ANI)