France were left to rely on West Ham star Dimitri Payet’s left boot for a 2-1 win in the opening game of Euro 2016 in what was a entertaining clash between two vibrant teams.

The hosts started well but it were unable to stamp their authority on the match as Romania kept pushing forward with every opportunity.

Olivier Giroud had the best chance of the opening 10 minutes but failed to take advantage of his opening and let the visitors off the hook. His deflected header wide appeared to be a marker of what was to come as the hosts failed to secure the vital goal that would calm the nerves of the millions watching.

Antoine Griezmann failed to take the best of chances 15 minutes in after some wonderful work by Bacary Sagna and Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba.

Neither side were were able to seize the advantage in the opening 45 minutes as both sides head into the break goalless.

Romania started the better of the two sides in the second period but failed to seize control of the outing. Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud sent the France into the lead after outjumping the defence to send the hosts into the lead in the 58th minute.

Former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra was guilty of being behind the pace all game and cost his side by giving away a penalty which was converted by Bogdan Stancu.

The match appeared to be heading for a draw until a moment of magic from Payet.

Dimitri Payet would ultimately write his name in the history books after received a well-timed short pass from Kante on the edge of the area – his left educated left boot sent a thunderous shot in the top corner and in the process sending the host nation in hysterics.

Payet’s 93rd minute strike helped France to all three points and the control of their group.