France beats Romania 2-1 in Euro 2016 opener

AP Photo  

Dimitri Payet scored a late goal to give host France a 2-1 victory over Romania in the opening match of the European Championship, AP reports.

The West Ham winger curled a shot from outside the penalty area into the top corner in the 89th minute at the Stade de France.

Payet set up the French opener in the 58th, whipping in a cross that Olivier Giroud headed into the net. But France defender Patrice Evra tripped Nicolae Stanciu in the area and Bogdan Stancu equalized for Romania from the penalty spot in the 65th.

Both teams still have to play Albania and Switzerland in Group A.