France and Romania will kick-off Euro 2016 in Paris on Friday night with the hosts heavy favourites to get their campaign underway with a win.
Major tournaments are never straightforward, however, and Les Bleus will be well aware of the quality Romania possess across the park, with several players featuring in the continent’s top divisions.
Which key battles, then, will settle the encounter at the Stade de France?
Giroud will lead the line for Les Bleus and should be up against former Tottenham defender Chiriches.
Giroud’s natural style is actually more suited to the national team as Deschamps likes his side to attack with pace and width, a method that is some distance than the neat and tidy and sometime ponderous play of Arsenal.
In his last three games for club and country, @_OlivierGiroud_ has scored six goals and provided an assist. #SSNHQ pic.twitter.com/J5nGAsPgSe
— Sky Sports News HQ (@SkySportsNewsHQ) June 5, 2016
Chiriches will need all his physical attributes and ability to read the game to keep the striker quiet.
Sagna and Stancu.
For such a fresh and vibrant team, it’s odd that in full-back positions so used to needing eclectic pace, France have 35-year-old Patrice Evra and 33-year-old Sagna.
The Manchester City right-back is a possible weak link if he can be attacked with purpose, preventing him from moving forward and exposing his declining speed.
Stancu is a skillful, clever attacking midfielder who can flatter to deceive but could prove Romania’s best offensive weapon.
Rami and Andone.
Romania will undoubtedly spend the majority of this match on the backfoot, having to repel attack after attack by the fired-up hosts. That said, they will, at some stage get at least one chance and Andone will have to make the absolute most of whatever opportunities come his way.
The Cordoba frontman may look to target Rami who’s place in the team is up for debate and who’s looked uncertain and error-prone in the past for France.
