France vs Albania Euro 2016 live: Latest score and updates from Group A clash at Stade Velodrome
Follow live coverage of the Group A clash in Marseille
Your support helps us to tell the story
My recent work focusing on Latino voters in Arizona has shown me how crucial independent journalism is in giving voice to underrepresented communities.
Your support is what allows us to tell these stories, bringing attention to the issues that are often overlooked. Without your contributions, these voices might not be heard.
Every dollar you give helps us continue to shine a light on these critical issues in the run up to the election and beyond
Eric Garcia
Washington Bureau Chief
Welcome to The Independent's live coverage of Wednesday's Group A clash between France and Albania at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille.
- Dimitri Payet's fabulous late winner sealed three points and a 2-1 win for France over Romania
- The hosts put in a laboured display in the tournament's opening game and will hope for improvement in Marseille
- Albania were defeated 1-0 by Switerzland in a tight affair at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis
- Gianni De Biasi's side conceded an early headed goal to Fabian Schär and failed to draw level, despite enjoying several goal-scoring opportunities
- France currently lead Group A over Switzerland by virtue of goals scored
- Albania are bottom of the group, behind Romania
Follow live coverage with our live blog below...
Please allow a moment for the live blog to load.
Higginbotham: Diamond formation is Hodgson's best bet of slaying Welsh dragon
Sterling to retain place ahead of Sturridge for Wales clash
Ramsey says it is 'about time' Wales beat England
22 mins: The game has really livened up now, and Andrei Prepelita is the first player into the book of Sergey Karasev after a sliding lunge into Granit Xhaka from behind.
24 mins: And now Alexandru Chipciu is shown a yellow card. The left-sided Romanian player is cautioned after a hefty barge into the body of Stephan Lichtsteiner on the touchline after the Swiss captain had roamed forward in an effort to make amends for his earlier indiscretion.
28 mins: Romania go close to a second! After a free-kick is sent hopefully into the 18-yard box from the left, the ball falls at the feet of Cristian Sapunaru ten yards from goal. The right-back does well to dig the ball out from between his feet and shoot, but despairs a second later when it clips off the outside of the post.
33 mins: It's now the Swiss who have the chance to threaten with a set-piece, central and 25 yards from goal. Ricardo Rodriguez tries his luck, curling a left-footed effort over the wall, but it doesn't have the power or pace to beat Tatarusanu, who comfortably holds on at his far post.
37 mins: A third Romanian name in the book, and another foul that was completely unnecessary. Valon Behrami took possession on the halfway line and turned to face the 15 players ahead of him, only for Claudiu Keseru to inexplicably pull him back. This is the complete opposite of all those clever tactical fouls from the Italians the other night.
SECOND HALF KICK-OFF: We're back underway at the Parc des Princes where Romania have made a substitution. Mihai Pintilii was unable to shake off an injury picked up in the first half and so Ovidiu Hoban has entered the fray. Back on the pitch, it's more of the same as shambolic Swiss defending in the opening seconds of the restart gives the substitute an immediate chance to make an impact, but he pulls his effort across goal and wide.
52 mins: Epic defending or fortunate to get away with not conceding an own goal? Only Johan Djourou really knows if his last-ditch intervention was intended, but the defender has just kept Romania at bay by prodding a dangerous cross an inch wide of Yann Sommer's post.
56 mins: GOAL! ROMANIA 1 SWITZERLAND 1:
Switzerland have their leveller! A Ricardo Rodríguez corner on the left was challenged for by Haris Seferovic, Johan Djourou and a host of Romanian defenders. From that melee, the ball dropped to the arriving Admir Mehmedi ten yards out, who took a second to compose himself, before sending an arrowed volley flying through a crowd of players and into the far corner. It was a finish that was the very definition of aplomb, and gave Ciprian Tatarusanu absolutely no chance in the Romania goal.
Here come the hosts and the underdogs. The players of favourites, France, and Albania, the lowest ranked team in the European Championships, take to the field at the Stade Vélodrome for the pre-match formalities and national anthems.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments