France are looking to win a tournament on home soil yet again, repeating their previous success in Euro 84 and in the World Cup in 1998. To ensure that the dream is possible, they will need nothing less than 3 points on Day 1.
France were tipped as favourites to win Euro 2016 about a month ago, and rightly so. However, a combination of a sex tape scandal, a doping ban that was enforced and subsequently lifted, as well as late injuries have ensured that preparations haven’t exactly gone to plan. Romania on the other hand, will not want to be overlooked, and are hoping to steal a march on the consensus favourites in Group A.
Didier Deschamps vs Anghel Iordănescu
Didier Deschamps enters Euro 2016 hoping to do something his predecessors couldn’t do – keep the squad united and win at the same time. Anghel Iordănescu, on the other hand, led Romania to previously unseen heights in 1994, and will look to inspire his squad to buck the odds and make a mark in Euro 2016, starting from Day 1.
Deschamps looking to keep a united squad in winning form
Manager Didier Deschamps has taken tough decisions to ensure that the unrest within the French national camp, which recent tournaments have been remembered for, does not rear it’s ugly head this time. Hence, he has had to leave out both Karim Benzema and Mathieu Valbuena, while also rejecting the chance to bring Mamadou Sakho back into an injury depleted defence in the light of his ban for doping being lifted.
Deschamps will most likely decide to go into the opener against Romania with a 4-3-3 formation. This will allow Paul Pogba and Blaise Matuidi to assert their superiority in midfield, but will also rely heavily on forwards like Antoine Griezmann to create and score. Olivier Giroud will be a focal point of attack, and based on his performances in recent friendlies, could be a prolific No 9 indeed.
Anghel Iordănescu hoping to contain the French juggernaut
Anghel Iordănescu may be lesser known of the two managers due to the substantially limited coverage his team has received in comparison to France. However, a manager who has reached European Cup finals and World Cup quarterfinals will not be an easy opponent to face on the opening day of the European championship. Romania’s squad isn’t as talented as the hosts, but their record in qualifying is evidence of Iordănescu’s ability to work with the players he has.
Iordănescu has been boosted by the fitness of Napoli centre-half Vlad Chiriches, while striker Florin Andone has overcome a hand injury. Midfielder Ovidiu Hoban is also passed fit, while Steaua Bucharest midfielder Nicușor Stanciu could be thrust into the limelight with a strong performance on Friday.
Key Battles
Vlad Chiriches vs Olivier Giroud
Olivier Giroud will remember Vlad Chiriches from the latter’s time at rivals Tottenham Hotspur, and hence may be able to use his past knowledge to his advantage. Giroud, who’s hold up play will be essential in the absence of Karim Benzema, will need to link up effectively with the likes of Griezmann upfront in order to create goal scoring opportunities.
Chiriches has come a long way from his shaky self at Tottenham Hotspur, and is now a rock at the back for both club and country. His style of play may not have suited him in England, but he will be need to be on top of his game to ensure that Romania keep their solidity from the qualifiers intact.
Razvan Rat vs Antoine Griezmann
France’s midfield setup will make Antoine Griezmann the focal point of creativity for Les Bleus. His defensive work rate will allow the provision of width from the wings, while his guile and craft will serve Giroud with goal scoring opportunities. Razvan Rat, on the other hand, brings in years of experience from playing Champions League football with Shakhtar Donetsk, and will look to use his experience in keeping Griezmann’s threat at bay. The quality of teams Romania faced in qualifying is of a lower standard than their opponents on Friday, and hence the likes of Rat will need to raise his game accordingly.
France
Strengths
- Any team that can leave out N’golo Kante and still not sweat about it is strong in midfield.
- In Dimitri Payet in their ranks, France possess one of the best dead ball experts in world football.
Weaknesses
- Defence is a point of potential weakness in the absence of Mamadou Sakho and Raphael Varane.
Romania
Strengths
- Defence – they conceded only two goals in qualifying.
Weaknesses
- Lack of big game experience.
