EURO 2016: France first past the post; Russia almost out

Sahil Bhalla | Updated on: 10 February 2017, 1:50 IST

Two late goals from Antoine Griezmann and Dimitri Payet helped hosts France become the first team to advance to the knockout stages of the European Championships. They defeated Albania 2-0. It wasn't as easy as the scoreline suggests. For the second match in a row, an uneven French side laboured through to victory. The first of the goals came from a 90th minute header and then the second was added deep into injury time.

France teammates celebrate after beating Albanian 2-0 in the Euro 2016 group A football match between France and Albania at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille on June 15, 2016. (Franck Fife/AFP)

Switzerland vs Romania turned out to be nothing that excited the spectators. It did end up with Romania earing their first point of the competition. The Romanians took the lead through a Bogdan Stancu penalty but never really looked to be wrapping up the game.

Romania's players defend against a free kick from Switzerland's midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri (2nd R) during the Euro 2016 group A football match between Romania and Switzerland at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on 15 June, 2016. (Philippe Lopez/AFP)

Romania's defender Dragos Grigore (L) vies for the ball with Switzerland's midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri during the Euro 2016 group A football match between Romania and Switzerland at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on 15 June, 2016. (Lionel Bonaventure/AFP)

Over in the Slovakia vs Russia game there was much excitement as Russia, with a suspended disqualification already, may just be eliminated at the group stage itself. Marek Hamsik stole the show in the first half with two well carved out goals. Russia came back strongly in the second half but with a goal from Denis Glushakov in the 80th minute, they were running out of time to score an equaliser. The Russians need a win in their last game to avoid elimination.

Slovakia players congratulate Slovakia's midfielder Marek Hamsik for his goal during the Euro 2016 group B football match between Russia and Slovakia at the Pierre-Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, near Lille, on 15 June, 2016. (Philippe Huguen/AFP)

There were also reports of Russian fans igniting flares inside Stade Pierre Mauroy after Denis Glushakov scored for their team. This may now compel UEFA to take further action against Rusisa and their status in the remainder of the tournament.

Russia supporters hold a flare during the Euro 2016 group B football match between Russia and Slovakia at the Pierre-Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, near Lille, on 15 June, 2016. (Denis Charlet/AFP)

Off the pitch there was much drama as at least 36 people were arrested in yet another instance of fan violence. This time it was in Lille city center and between England and Russia fans, once again. French riot police were called into action as English fans continued to linger on after early clashes were quased. All of this continued late into the night. Police had to use teargas to diseprse, English, Welsh and French fans. 16 people were hospitalised according to French authorities.

England supporters wave flags and light a flare in central Lille on 15 June, 2016, on the sideline of the Euro 2016 football championship. (Philippe Huguen/AFP)

Photo curation: Sehar Qazi

First published: 16 June 2016, 12:17 IST

France Albania Switzerland Romania Russia Slovakia England R

Sahil Bhalla @IMSahilBhalla

Sahil is a sports and tech correspondent on the speed news desk at Catch. A gadget freak, he loves offering free tech support to family and friends. He studied at Sarah Lawrence College, New York and worked previously for Scroll. He selectively boycotts fast food chains, worries about Arsenal, and travels whenever and wherever he can. Sahil is an unapologetic foodie and a film aficionado.