We kept a clean sheet, which is good, but this was a crucial match to finish top so I decided not to change the back six because they play like clockwork.
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Albania’s defence has impressed in Euro 2016 and the team stuck to the same type of game plan it used in its two hard-fought losses to Switzerland and France.
Switzerland began to find joy behind French full-backs Bacary Sagna and Patrice Evra in the second half, but the chances continued to fall to France.
“I don’t know who is responsible, but we are only in the group stage of the competition and having such a pitch is not a good thing”, he added.
It was Albania’s first goal at a major tournament and it was the only goal of the night as Romania were eliminated.
Pogba’s future after Euro 2016 is up in the air, with his agent Mino Raiola confirming talks had begun between his club Juventus and prospective buyers Real Madrid.
“At the start of the game I was playing higher up and we did very well”, Pogba said, alluding to his preference to play in a more attacking role than usually afforded him by Deschamps.
There were several ripped shirts and even a burst ball during host France’s 0-0 draw with Switzerland on Sunday at the European Championship in Lille.
“For us and for the country, it’s important to be in the last 16”, Yann Sommer, Switzerland goalkeeper said.
On Sunday (19 June), the Group A fixture was France played Switzerland and Albania locked horns with Romania to fight it out for a place in the Round of 16.
“These defensive efforts weigh on our freshness but I’d rather not concede a goal and score one in the 90th minute rather than concede two or three and have to go and score three or four”, said Payet.
“We hoped for more, but at least we have reached our first goal which was to qualify and to win the group”, he said.
“I know the players are well aware that we can improve in a number of different areas”. “We didn’t get many chances, we played with our head, with mental strength”.
France’s main threat in the second half was Sissoko, who made another powerful run and then fed the ball to Gignac, whose 53rd-minute shot was easily saved by Sommer.
Albania withstood some early pressure before they took an unlikely lead before half time through a headed goal from Armando Sadiku.
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There was a groundswell of support for Paul Pogba after he ended a tricky week with a heartening performance in France’s draw with Switzerland.
