Olivier Giroud had a big hand to play in France’s 2-1 win against Romania in the opening game of Euro 2016.
Giroud could have had a better game, to say the least. Despite scoring seven in five in the matches leading up to the Euros, the big man barely managed a touch against Romania. In fact, as you can see (or can’t) he touched the ball the least out of all his compatriots.
Loving this app #FRA 0-0 #ROM (via @StatsZone https://t.co/hhJf0f1DHi): pic.twitter.com/0ItfLSPwe6
— Guy Branston (@Brano1979) June 10, 2016
Olivier Giroud Completed Passes for #FRA
1st minute (kick-off)
27th minute
That's it! pic.twitter.com/Ww0enIEDzO
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) June 10, 2016
Yeah… not good.
One of the decent touches he did have came in the second half but was ruled offside.
Giroud's lovely flick for Griezmann, sadly called back for offside pic.twitter.com/koKFDhtB8s
— Terje (@ArsenalTerje) June 10, 2016
In the second half, France picked up and so did Giroud, who scored in the 58th minute, thanks to a superb Dimitri Payet delivery into the box. It was a scrappy header but a goal nonetheless. Mesut Ozil was quick to congratulate his Arsenal team-mate.
https://twitter.com/Onefootball/status/741364728203759616
8 – Olivier Giroud has now scored eight goals in his last six starts for #FRA. Answer. #Euro2016
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 10, 2016
https://twitter.com/MesutOzil1088/status/741364444542971908
Less than 10 minutes later, Romania equalised through a penalty given away by former Manchester United defender, Patrice Evra, taking the wind out of France’s sails.
The second half was quiet until Payet scored a worldie minutes before the final whistle. Giroud pushed him over in celebration.
Meanwhile, Koscielny had a solid game, put in some good passes and generally didn’t put a foot wrong. As per usual.
How'd Kos and Oli get on in the #Euro2016 opener? #Fra #Rou pic.twitter.com/RvtRrfHSYK
— Daily Cannon (@DailyCannon) June 10, 2016