An emotional Dimitri Payet was taken aback by his exploits in Friday s successful Euro 2016 opener as his stunning late strike lifted France to a dramatic 2-1 win over Romania.
It was like Payet opened up a release valve and eased the stress and pressure amid the hype of an entire nation when he produced a trademark goal from outside the penalty area to give hosts France the perfect start in Group A at the Stade de France.
A tearful Payet was overcome with emotion as he celebrated the 89th-minute winner and after his dazzling display in Paris, the West Ham star said: There was stress and pressure. If someone told me that it went like that tonight, I wouldn t have believed it.
That emotion came out in the goal.
Romania were determined to spoil the party …