After scoring one goal and setting up another in France’s opening win at Euro, Dimitri Payet left the field in tears.
The West Ham forward, now hitting his career peak at 29, was playing for his country at a major tournament for the first time. He thrived, playing a part in both goals as France beat Romania 2-1 on Friday.
Payet wasn’t even in the squad on Nov. 13 when the Stade de France was hit by extremists during a friendly match against Germany — part of devastating attacks across Paris that are at the heart of national emotions for Euro 2016.
But his stunning season in England with WHU persuaded coach Didier Deschamps to bring Payet back into the team, and France was rewarded with a display of artistry.
Against Romania, Payet capped an outstanding display by curling in an 89th-minute shot with his left foot from outside the penalty area to restore France’s earlier lead.
Riding its luck from wasteful Romanian finishing, France went ahead in the 58th when Olivier Giroud headed in Payet’s cross from the right.
The lead lasted only seven minutes. Romania forward Bogdan Stancu slotted in from the penalty spot after a foul by Patrice Evra.
While many expect France midfielder Paul Pogba to shine at Euro 2016, Payet wasFrance’s main creative force.
Roaming free on both wings, Payet created Giroud’s first headed chance in the 10th, then fired a low cross that Antoine Griezmann met with a shot deflected wide.
When Pogba was freed to move forward in the 57th, he was picked out near the penalty spot by Payet for a volleyed shot that Romania goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu blocked with his legs.
In Pogba’s deeper role, his perfectly angled pass set right back Bacary Sagna free to cross and cause confusion that led to Griezmann’s header against post. Before Stancu scored his penalty, he lacked composure when spurning clear chances in each half as Romania pressed the favored French hard.