Beating Albania 2-0, France cruise into last 16

France became the first team to book a place in the last 16 of Euro 2016 after they made light work of Albania in their second Group A clash early on June 16. 

French players celebrate Griezmann’s opening goal. (Photo: Skysports)
French players celebrate Griezmann’s opening goal. (Photo: Skysports)

The host team dominated the majority of the match creating an array of opportunities to score, but none of them were successfully converted.

As the clash seemed to finish goalless, Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann made French supporters at the Stade Velodrome go wild, heading home for a crucial opener on stoppage time.

Griezmann’s late strike put Albanian under extreme pressure to level the game; a loss against France would mean an end to their Euro 2016 campaign.

However, Payet’s goal for France with seconds to go extinguished Albania’s single effort for a reversion.

The victory gifted France three additional points and earned them a berth in the last 16. Meanwhile, with no points after two matches, Albania were officially knocked out of the tournament despite having one match to go.

In another match earlier the same day, Switzerland and Romania held each other in a 1-1 draw. They will have to wait until June 20 to know who will be the next Group A team to advance.

France will play Switzerland and Albania will face Romania in their last group matchups on June 20.