Euro 2016 Diary: Day One

The wine has been poured, the coffee drunk and the living room commandeered. Let Euro 2016 begin.

There was plenty for a Serie A fan to watch out for in the opening day clash between France and Romania. Ciprian Tatarusanu delivered a clanger to gift France a lead. Patrice Evra returned the favour to give away an equalising penalty. And, for reasons best known to himself, Didier Deschamps took Paul Pogba off in a game he needed to win. I felt simmering tension in the substitution salutations.

Romania looked as organised as a side which only conceded a couple of goals in qualification should. France relied more on individuals and Dimitri Payet did not let them down in that regard with a lovely late goal. Any potential home nation crisis was stood down.

Tougher tests await Les Bleus, Romania could still progress. It wasn’t a classic but it was a nice little appetiser with a spicy finish. A spianata piccante with that kick of chilli. Bring on the main courses.