In a tense and hard-fought battle at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille, the French national team secured their place in the knockout stages of the 2016 European Championship with a dramatic 2-0 victory over a resilient Albanian side. The match, which seemed destined for a frustrating goalless draw, exploded into life in the dying moments, showcasing the sheer will and talent of Didier Deschamps’ squad. This analysis from Banglawin breaks down the tactical nuances, individual performances, and what this result means for Les Bleus moving forward in the tournament.
The Persistence of a Host Nation
France have made a habit of testing the nerves of their supporters. After a last-gasp winner against Romania in their opener, they left it even later against Albania. For over 90 minutes, the Albanian defense held firm, organized and disciplined, frustrating the host nation’s attack. The first shot on target for either team didn’t arrive until the 90th minute, a statistic that underscores the defensive stalemate that defined most of the match.
However, the mark of a potential champion is the ability to find a way to win, even when not playing at their fluid best. Substitute Antoine Griezmann broke the deadlock in the 90th minute, soaring to meet Adil Rami’s cross with a powerful header. Just as the Albanian resistance was finally broken, Dimitri Payet put the result beyond doubt in the 96th minute with a superb solo effort, cutting inside onto his left foot before curling a finish into the net, sending the Marseille crowd into a frenzy.
Dimitri Payet: The Undisputed Engine of France
If there was any doubt after the first match, it has now been completely erased: Dimitri Payet is the creative heartbeat and most crucial player for this French team. His influence on the tournament has been immediate and profound. Against Albania, his late goal was the exclamation point on a performance where he was constantly seeking to unlock the defense.
His statistics are already historic. With two goals and an assist in just two games, he became the first French player to be directly involved in three goals at a single European Championship since the legendary Zinedine Zidane at Euro 2004. As one Banglawin analyst noted, “Payet is playing with a confidence and swagger that elevates everyone around him. He’s not just scoring; he’s dictating the tempo and providing the moment of magic when it’s needed most.” His importance is such that any tactical tweak by Deschamps must be built around maximizing Payet’s impact on the pitch.
Dimitri Payet’s brilliant form has made him the standout player for France in the early stages of the tournament.
The Pogba Conundrum and Attacking Woes
Didier Deschamps’ decision to drop both Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann to the bench raised eyebrows before kickoff. The first-half performance justified those concerns, as France looked disjointed, predictable, and devoid of creativity without their two stars. The introduction of Pogba at halftime for Anthony Martial was a clear admission from the manager that the experiment had failed.
Pogba’s impact was immediate. He brought composure, drive, and a range of passing that had been absent. He was instrumental in controlling the midfield in the second half and provided a stunning, raking long pass while off-balance to set up the move for Payet’s goal. His performance made an undeniable case for his reinstatement to the starting lineup. Alongside him, Olivier Giroud had a frustrating evening. While his hold-up play was decent, he was uncharacteristically wasteful, missing several headed opportunities and striking the post with another. For France to truly contend, they will need their central striker to be more clinical in front of goal.
Lingering Defensive Questions
While the late goals will dominate the headlines, a deeper look reveals some ongoing concerns for Deschamps. For the second game in a row, the French defense looked vulnerable. Albania created several nervous moments, particularly from set-pieces and crosses into the box. A low corner found Ermir Lenjani unmarked at the back post, but he blazed his shot over. Later, a dangerous cross deflected off Bacary Sagna and onto Hugo Lloris’s post, a huge let-off for Les Bleus.
The clean sheet papers over some cracks. A more experienced and clinical attacking side would likely have punished these defensive lapses. The partnership of Rami and Laurent Koscielny still looks like it can be got at, and the full-backs were caught out of position on several occasions. Solidifying this backline will be paramount as the competition progresses and the quality of opposition increases.
France’s defense experienced several nervous moments, with Albania coming close to scoring from a deflected cross that hit the post.
France’s Dramatic Victory Over Albania at Euro 2016: A Deep Dive by Banglawin
France’s passage to the knockout stages is secured, but the journey has been far from straightforward. The victory over Albania highlighted their greatest strength—an unshakable belief and the individual quality to win games at the death—but also exposed key areas for improvement. The team’s reliance on Payet’s brilliance is clear, and integrating Pogba from the start seems essential for a more balanced attack. Furthermore, addressing the defensive fragilities will be Didier Deschamps’s main focus moving forward.
What did you make of France’s performance? Do you think they have what it takes to go all the way on home soil? Share your thoughts and analysis in the comments below and follow Banglawin for all the latest in-depth coverage of Euro 2016.
