Dimitri Payet replicated his impressive Premier League performance in the Euro 2016, as France edged Romania 2-1. After setting up the first, the West Ham midfielder had a go at the goal in the 89th minute – a strike which is already an early contender for goal of the tournament.
France managed to overcome the host-nation curse at the Euros after they defeated Romania 2-1 in the first game of the competition. Olivier Giroud netted for Les Bleus in the 54th minute before Romanian utility man Bogdan Stancu equalized by scoring from the spot. However, it was the home team who had the last word. Just as the game looked to end in a stalemate, West Ham United player Dimitri Payet stepped up to the occasion, and scored a sublime long-range goal with his weaker foot to give Les Bleus maximum points from their first encounter.
Here is his moment of brilliance…
Sensational goal from Payet to win it for France! #FRA#FRAROU#EURO2016pic.twitter.com/TASMI00Y5R
— ThePLClub (@ThePLClub) June 10, 2016
Just like the spectators at the Stade de France, the fans on Twitter went absolutely ballistic!
Payet looked like a world beater tonight & that was before the goal of his life. Different class and France was the better team. #EURO2016
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) June 10, 2016
I know its only been a combination of 1 season of hypes and a Euro16 wonder-goal but im starting to think Payet might be world class..??
— NU BRAND FLEXXX (@NuBrandFlexxx) June 10, 2016
Payet hitting a new level at the age of 29, just like Shane Long.
— Simon Hick (@hicksimon) June 10, 2016
My only solace in Payet is that I don’t think Real or Barca will pay £60m for Payet, PSG my only real worry.
— Mark Harrison (@MarkHarrison23) June 10, 2016
Thought Payet flattered to deceive tonight, but that goal was incredible. Largely because it kicks off the tournament nicely.
— Cefnogwr Cymru (@BundesLlew) June 10, 2016
Thierry Henry’s reaction to Dimitri Payet’s goal:
“Wow. Wow. Wow. I stood up. Oh my gosh.” pic.twitter.com/ce0FUUKy5C
— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) June 10, 2016
everyone thought Payet was class, but him bossing a game at Euro’s just proves how good he is. What a talent
— joe carey (@joe_carey1) June 10, 2016
WE’VE GOT PAYEEET
DIMITRI PAYEEET
I JUST DON’T THINK YOU UNDERSTAND
HE’S SUPER SLAVS’ MAN
HE’S BETTER THAN ZIDANE
WE’VE GOT DIMITRI PAYET— Arthur C’s (@Arthur_Cmr) June 10, 2016
We’ve only played 1 game & Payet already scored the goal of the tournament.
— Mesut Özil (@AFCKoyes) June 10, 2016
Honestly if you don’t love payet you don’t love football
— Ja’afar (@_Jaafar_I) June 10, 2016
While there were some who brought out the humorous side of things.
Payet deserves to be playing on the same team as
Iniesta or Ronaldo, not Mark Noble and co.— Drink Water (@OSCARanking) June 10, 2016
Payet cried when he remembered he’d still go back to playing with Andy Carroll after the Euros..lol
— Yemi Dada (@YemiCastano) June 10, 2016
Chelsea fans: That night in Munich
Liverpool fans: That night in Istanbul
WHU fans: That night when Payet scored for France at the Euros
— Papi Mac (@iNabber) June 10, 2016
#Payet‘s audition for PSG is going well. Sorry @whufc_official he’s just too good for your tin pot club. Say au revoir. #EURO2016
— Arizona Hotspur (@ArizonaHotspur) June 10, 2016
If someone said I had to kill either Dimitri Payet or my parents, my biggest worry would be where to hide my Mum’s body
— Cartlon Cole (@_CarltonCole9) June 10, 2016
Some of Dimitri Payet’s stats on the day. What a player!
Payet’s goals for France:
Before joining West Ham – 1 in 5 years
Since joining West Ham – 3 in 5 games pic.twitter.com/nbANNg5um0— bet365 (@bet365) June 10, 2016
8 – Dimitri Payet created 8 chances for #FRA v #ROU; twice as many as the rest of the #FRA team combined (4). Ace. pic.twitter.com/7LHiFBW7uV
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 10, 2016
Dimitri Payet’s game by numbers vs. #ROU:
8 chances created
5 take-ons
1 goal
1 assistPerfect Payet. #FRA pic.twitter.com/GZGK7rmvTV
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) June 10, 2016
Dimitri Payet at #Euro2016:
Games: 1
Goals: 1
Assists: 1
Man Of The Match: 1World class talent. pic.twitter.com/jWyZ0YEVD8
— Football Trolls (@Footballltrolls) June 10, 2016