France's match-winner Payet admits feeling pressure before Euro 2016 opener
After scoring the goal that saved France from an otherwise disappointing opening match Friday, Dimitri Payet frankly couldn't believe it.
Payet's stunning long-range effort gave the host nation a 2-1 victory over plucky Romania at the Stade de France. He was later named the Man of the Match.
"There was a lot of stress, a lot of pressure. If someone had told me it would have gone like that, I wouldn't have believed it," said the 29-year-old West Ham star. "All of that came out with the goal."
Related - Watch: Payet unleashes 89th-minute thunderbolt to save France
With eight key passes, Payet distinguished himself from the rest of the players on the pitch. His no-look passes were on point, and his crosses were tempting.
Payet also set up Olivier Giroud for the opening goal in the second half, becoming the first Frenchman to register both a goal and an assist in a single Euro match since Thierry Henry in 2000.
"Dimitri can make the difference," said manager Didier Deschamps. "When you bang it into the top corner, it solves a lot of problems."
Soon afterwards, Payet made way for substitute Moussa Sissoko, and couldn't hold back the tears. His family had come from Reunion Island to watch the game, and he admitted that they brought him strength.
His ascent over the past year has thrust him into the spotlight, and he was once again the main man on a night that France looked likely to drop points. Signing for West Ham from Marseille last summer, Payet has established himself as one of Europe's finest midfielders and free-kick takers.
He wasn't called up to play for France in the 2014 World Cup, but there was no way Deschamps could ignore his exploits during his maiden season in the Premier League. Payet posted nine goals and 12 assists for the Hammers as they qualified for the Europa League.
"At the start of the season, a lot of people would have found it hard to believe I would be here," Payet added. "I have got here by working hard. When I saw the stadium tonight I knew I was going to have fun."