France left it late for the second game in a row as Antoine Griezmann and Dimitri Payet sent the Euro 2016 hosts into the last 16 of the tournament with a 2-0 win over Albania.
Griezmann, who started the match on the bench, netted in the 90th minute against a well-organised Albania side.
Payet scored his second goal in as many games by finishing off the contest with a strike inside five minutes of additional time.
France have now qualified for the knockout round as they sit at the top of Group A on six points, while Albania are yet to pick up a point in their European Championship debut.
Discover how the game unfolded in Sports Mole's text commentary below.
7.00pmEvening all! We're entering the second round of group matches tonight and we kick that off with the hosts France. They welcome Albania to the Stade Velodrome in Marseille this evening, searching for back-to-back wins in Group A, which would guarantee them a spot in the last 16. Can they do it? Let's find out!
7.02pmAs mentioned, France had a great start to their campaign as Olivier Giroud nudged them ahead and Dimitri Payet nabbed an 89th-minute winner to cancel out Bogdan Stancu's second-half penalty. In contrast, Albania had a disappointing start given that they suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Switzerland. Not only did they lose the match, they lost a player as well. Lorik Cana was sent off in the 37th minute.
7.04pmSwitzerland currently sit at the top of Group A, one point above France after they earned a 1-1 draw with Romania earlier today. That means that the Swiss can still reach the last 16 with a win or draw against France later this week. Right, back to the game at hand...
7.07pmPOGBA, GRIEZMANN OUT! Deschamps has made a big call by dropping Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann for tonight's game. Instead, Kingsley Coman and Anthony Martial have been given the nod. Deschamps will not be a popular man if France don't get win! Let's bring you the team news in full.
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7.10pmFRANCE XI: Lloris; Sagna, Rami, Koscielny, Evra; Kante, Matuidi; Coman, Payet, Martial; Giroud
7.14pmALBANIA XI: Berisha; Agolli, Mavraj, Ajeti, Hysaj; Kukeli; Lenjani, Abrashi, Memushaj, Lila; Sadiku
7.16pmAs mentioned, France boss Deschamps has dropped Pogba and Griezmann to the bench and they are the only two players to lose their places following Friday's win. Bayern Munich's on-loan player Coman comes into the fray, while Manchester United striker Martial will provide support to Olivier Giroud.
7.20pmAs for Albania, head coach Gianni De Biasi has made three changes to the side that lost to Switzerland. One is an enforced change as captain Lorik Cana is suspended following his sending-off in his nation's opening match. Arlind Arjeti has been named in the defensive back line, while Andi Lila and Ledian Memushaj have also come into the team. Taulant Xhaka and Odise Roshi are the two players to drop out.
7.24pmSo, what do you make of Pogba and Griezmann losing their places? It's a big risk for Deschamps, who is believed to have been disappointed by the pair's performances against Romania. He is putting his faith in Coman and Martial, and if they prove to be influential tonight I'm sure many will say his decision was a masterstroke! If they lose, however, expect the knives to be out!
7.27pmUnfortunately, the tournament so far has been marred by crowd trouble, the majority of which has involved Russian supporters. There were a number of brawls between Russian and England fans in Marseille over the weekend, and after the match between the two nations, Russia supporters charged into the England end and were seen kicking fans that were trying to flee.
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7.31pmUEFA has announced that Russia will be kicked out of the tournament if there is a repeat of crowd trouble in another stadium, but it is not clear whether that rule applies to fighting outside of the grounds. Unfortunately there have been more ugly scenes tonight as England and Russia fans have clashed in Lille, forcing riot police to use tear gas to disperse the crowd. Read more about these incidents here.
7.36pmAnyway, let's move away from the horrible violence and get back to the football! If France win tonight, then they are pretty much guaranteed a place in the last 16 as they already have three points on the board. The pressure is on them from the supporters as they are the host nation and anything less than a quarter-final place would be seen as a big disappointment among them.
Les Bleus got the win that they needed over Romania last Friday, but it was not very straightforward. Giroud opened the scoring shortly after the half-time break. The Arsenal striker netted in the 58th minute, but they were leading for just seven minutes. Patrice Evra's clumsy foul on Stancu resulted in a penalty and the Romanian comfortably nestled the ball into the net after sending Hugo Lloris the wrong way.
Les Bleus got the win that they needed over Romania last Friday, but it was not very straightforward. Giroud opened the scoring shortly after the half-time break. The Arsenal striker netted in the 58th minute, but they were leading for just seven minutes. Patrice Evra's clumsy foul on Stancu resulted in a penalty and the Romanian comfortably nestled the ball into the net after sending Hugo Lloris the wrong way.
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7.39pmThe remainder of the second half was a nervy one for France and the match looked destined for a draw. Payet had different ideas, though, as he stepped up to hammer home with just one minute of normal time remaining. It was an emotional night for Payet and he shed a few tears when he was substituted in the game. He explained that the goal meant more to him because he did not think that he was going to be included in the squad.
7.42pmA number of France players have suggested that there were nerves in the team prior to their opening match, but now their focus is on going all the way.
Earlier this week, Blaise Matuidi told reporters: "There will be no easy matches but we're more relaxed now and determined to go all the way.
"We must be better than against Romania. We did not play the game we wanted to play but it was due to the context, it was the opening match.
"There is no particular problem. We must be able to take risks, to show personality. It will be better against Albania, I'm not worried at all."
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7.46pmFrance may have just narrowly beaten Romania in their opening game, but they are in a strong run of form at the Stade Velodrome. Deschamps's side have suffered defeat just once in their last 11 matches. On top of that, they have won their last seven international matches.
7.48pmThey were actually rather fortunate not to end the game with a heavier defeat given that they played 53 minutes with 10 men. Cana was sent off for a second bookable offence after deliberately handling the ball on the edge of the penalty area.
7.51pmAlbania head into the game as underdogs, but head coach Gianni De Biasi believes that France will not underestimate his team.
He told reporters: "I don't think they will [underestimate us], because I think we are well known now. We played against them twice, in November 2014 and June last year, I think they know us pretty well.
"They won't underestimate us and will go on the pitch with great determination as they will face a team that will make the most of anything they give us."
7.53pmSpeaking of those previous meetings, it was one year ago when Albania managed to beat France with a 1-0 triumph. It was a poor display from the French, but they definitely responded as they are on a seven-game unbeaten run. France are favourites to get a result tonight, but Albania can draw on a favourable statistic - Les Bleus have kept just two clean sheets in their last 17 games at a European Championships.
7.54pmDID YOU KNOW? Payet created eight goalscoring opportunities against Romania, putting him behind just three players who have created more in a Euro fixture since 1980. Only Ozil (9), McAllister (10) and Sneijder (10). No wonder Payet has been handed the number 10 role this evening.
7.55pmGiroud will also be a big threat tonight as he managed to score the first goal of Euro 2016 last Friday, stretching his run to eight goals in his last six starts for France. The downside, though, was that he and his teammates created just five shots on target, and all of them were produced in the second half.
7.55pmA nice little fact for you - goalkeeper Etrit Berisha made six saves against Switzerland, which is more than he did during the qualifiers. Also, if you didn't know, Albania are just one of two nations making their debut at a major tournament. Iceland are the other country.
7.56pmHEAD TO HEAD: In the last six meetings between the two teams, France have won four of them, but the last two ended in a defeat and draw for the French. Albania have shown in recent history that they can defeat France, but they have never scored more than once in a single game against them.
7.58pmBoth sets of teams are out on the pitch and national anthems commence. We're only a few minutes away from the action getting underway!
8.03pmBefore the action gets going, the France and Albania players, as well as everyone in the stadium will hold a minute's applause for the two French police officers that were killed in a recent terrorist attack.
1 minKICKOFF! We're off! Albania get us underway in a great atmosphere in the Stade Velodrome! William Collum is the referee for this one.
2 minAs expected, Payet is playing behind Giroud, with Martial and Coman on the left and right respectively. France have a few early touches of the ball. Evra tries to play it forward, but it's a poor pass and the ball drifts out for an Albania throw-in.
3 minComan switches up his pace as he tries to break through two Albania defenders. He gets caught in the process and wins a free kick on the right side of the final third.
4 minCHANCE! Payet takes the free kick and whips it into the box to find Giroud, who gets his head to the ball, but his attempt at directing it towards goal goes over the bar.
6 minIt has not taken long for France to take control of this match. Albania have barely seen the ball, while the hosts look calm and composed. Giroud's attempt is the only one created so far, though.
8 minAlbania come close to creating an opportunity when the ball is played forward to Lenjani, but he loses his footing and fails to get a shot away. The ball eventually bobbles to the goalkeeper.
10 minOh dear, that could have ended badly for Rami. The defender gives the ball straight to Lenjani, who storms down the left, but as he gets to the byline, he looks to cross but his attempt gets blocked.
12 minThe ball is played long for Giroud, but he fails to get on the end of it as he slips and the ball bobbles behind for a goal kick. A handful of jeers from the crowd there.
14 minSome nice work from Albania as they zip the ball around in the middle of the park before Lenjani drives forward towards the centre of the box. He finds some space before unleashing an ambitious shot, but it skies into the stands.
15 minAlbania are getting more involved here, but France win back possession. Martial charges down the left and goes for goal with a side-footed effort, but it's hit straight at the defender.
16 minThe hosts earn a free kick, which is whipped into the box by Payet, but none of his teammates attack it and Albania clear comfortably.
17 minA nervy clearance from Ajeti as he completely scuffs Payet's ball into the area and gives away a corner, but Albania deal with it.
19 minAlbania have not created any meaningful attacks just yet, but they look relatively comfortable. France have not charged out of the blocks and even though they've had most of the ball, they've not really tested the keeper.
20 minMartial tries to break, but he fails to hold onto the ball as it drifts away from him. In an attempt to win it back, the Manchester United striker gives away a free kick.
21 minA lovely ball from Payet plays in Martial, but as the striker tries a shot, Ajeti gets across to make a block. Albania then go on to break through Memushaj, who plays the ball forward for Sadiku, but it's overhit and goes beyond him.
24 minCHANCE! Great chance for Albania! Lila plays the ball over the top for Hysaj, who brings it down with great control before crossing towards Sadiku, who charges forward, but Lloris gets his hands on the ball in the nick of time.
26 minAlbania's full-backs are getting further forward as the game goes on, and they're causing some problems for France. The crowd might get a little antsy if it continues like this.
27 minMartial uses his strength to win a challenge and then evades a tackle before attempting to slot the ball through to Evra, but his pass is too strong and the ball goes out.
30 minFrance need to step things up if they want to get on the scoresheet. Giroud has been very quiet so far, mainly because he's not been getting much service. Albania keep growing in confidence.
32 minMartial gets on the end of a long ball and tussles with Ajeti on the left-hand side. The Manchester United forward gets a free kick out of it, but it comes to nothing.
34 minFrance get a free kick close to the touchline by the dugout and Payet curls it in. It's comfortable for the keeper, though, as he picks the ball to of the air.
35 minCommon shows great skill to break away from his marker, but his low cross into the box fails to threaten as the keeper comfortably gathers. The crowd enjoyed that move!
36 minAnother free kick for France and once again, Payet gets it in the box. Giroud meets it, but his header is poor and the ball drops over the bar. The hosts need to up the temp here!
38 minCHANCE! Albania get their first corner after a clearance from Koscielny. It's one from the training ground as Memushaj drives it low from the corner flag to Lenjani, who fails to get power on his shot and Lloris gathers.
40 minA worrying moment for France as Hysaj gets himself in acres of space down the right before delivering a cross into the box, but he fails to reach a teammate.
43 minAlbania get a free kick on the edge of the box after a high foot from Evra on Lila. Both are down on the ground receiving treatment, but it seems as though they will be able to continue.
44 minMemushaj stands over the ball for the free kick. He goes for glory and the ball is dipping, but not where Memushaj wants it to. The ball drifts just over the bar, but Lloris looked like he had it covered.
45+1 minAlbania are ending the half strong here as they win another corner. It's delivered into the box and France nervously clear the danger.
45+1 minHALF-TIME: FRANCE 0-0 ALBANIA
8.50pmThe whistle blows and it's all square after the first half. France and Albania head into the dressing rooms goalless at the break. The hosts did not come out the traps flying and there have been little opportunities to speak of from France's point of view. Olivier Giroud wasted two headers, while Anthony Martial had a strike from inside the box blocked. Albania grew in confidence as the game went on, and they had a handful of chances of their own. So far, the lowest-ranked team in the tournament have been able to handle France. We'll return for the second half shortly!
46 minRESTART! France get the second half underway! Will we see a resurgence from the hosts or can Albania cause an upset?
46 minThere's been an interesting half-time change as Pogba has come on, replacing Pogba.
46 minCHANCE! Almost an instant second-half goal for France! Giroud delivers a cross into the box from the left-hand side. It's helped on by Matuidi towards Coman, who gets a header away, but his attempt from six yards out bounces wide.
48 minThe hosts have started this half with much more intent now that they've reverted back to their original shape. Payet has vacated the number 10 role and has moved to the left. The West Ham man delivers a free kick into the area, but it's overhit slightly.
48 minThe tactics have changed as France are now pressing higher, trying not to give Albania a moment's peace on the ball.
52 minOFF THE POST! What a chance for Albania! The ball is crossed into the area and deflects off Sagna onto the post. It bounces towards Memushaj, whose on the floor, but the ball goes out for a goal kick.
54 minCHANCE! Now France go close! It's a great ball from Payet. He curls it into the box to find Pogba, who charges at the back post in plenty of space. He aims a half-volley but the ball flies over the bar.
55 minBOOKING! Kukeli is the first in the book following a cynical foul on Coman to prevent the Frenchman from counter-attacking. It's Kukeli's second booking of the tournament, so he misses the next match.
58 minComan shows great skill as he darts through some attempted tackles. He then picks the ball up on the left, but his run is halted by an opposing player.
59 minPayet goes for glory, but his attempt is curled way over the bar and fails to trouble the keeper. France are much better in this half, but Albania still cause a threat.
62 minFrance are pushing bodies higher into the box and they eventually win a corner, which is whipped in by Payet. It's initially cleared, but the West Ham man gets it back and the ball is in the box again. Koscielny is still up there and tries to head it in the goal, but his effort grazed the crossbar.
67 minCHANCE! Oh dear, Giroud should have done so much better there! Coman breaks away on the left before sending a cross directly to Giroud, whose header goes well wide.
69 minFRANCE SUB: It's the end of Coman's night as he makes way for Griezmann.
69 minOFF THE POST! Better from Giroud, but he misses again! A great cross from Evra comes into the area and the Arsenal man rises above everyone to meet it, but his header bounces off the bottom of the left post.
70 minYou feel as though it's just a matter of time now! France are knocking on the door. The ball is played over the top for Matuidi, but he cannot stretch enough to get there.
72 minALBANIA SUB: It's the first change for Albania as Lila is replaced by Roshi.
74 minALBANIA SUB: It's another change and it's an enforced one as Kukeli comes off injured and is replaced with Taulant Xhaka.
76 minMemushaj takes a free kick by sending the ball into the box, but it's comfortably cleared by Evra. France have been knocking on the door, but the clock is ticking!
77 minFRANCE SUB: It's another substitution for France as Gignac comes on for Giroud.
79 minGignac races to the byline and eventually gets a cross in to find Payet, who gets his feet right before sending the ball back into the area. It's headed clear, but only to Sagna, who thumps a shot but it fizzes over the bar.
81 minCHANCE! Payet sends another great ball into the box to find Koscielny, but somehow the Arsenal defender doesn't get his head on it and the ball bounces away from danger. He should have done much better!
83 minCHANCE! They come again! It's Sagna this time who delivers a cross into the area and Griezmann almost gets on the end of it with a header, but it bounces past him and the keeper gathers.
84 minIt's desperation from France now. The ball drops deep to Kante, who hammers a low shot, which gets deflected and goes behind for a corner.
85 minPayet takes the set piece and it's scrambled away. Before the corner was taken, Albania made their final change as Veseli came on for Ajeti.
87 minSLIP! Oh dear, Pogba slips before he can get a shot away! It's a lovely ball over from Kante, but as he sets up a volley, he loses his footing and Albania snatch the ball back.
90 minGOAL! FRANCE 1-0 ALBANIA (GRIEZMANN)
90 minFrance leave it late again! Griezmann is the man to send the fans into dreamland as he meets Rami's cross and heads the ball into the back of the net from 10 yards out.
90+5 minGOAL! FRANCE 2-0 ALBANIA (PAYET)
90+5 minPayet scores his second goal in as many games for France! Gignac collects the ball from Pogba before passing inside to Payet, who checks onto his right foot before curling the ball past the keeper.
90+6 minFULL-TIME: FRANCE 2-0 ALBANIA
10.01pmIt's all over in Marseille and what a finish to the game! It's euphoria for France as Griezmann and Payet score late goals to send themselves into the last 16 of the tournament. It's heartbreak for Albania as they looked as though they were going to hold on for a point, but it wasn't to be and they are yet to pick up a point in the tournament. Thank you for joining us, and until next time, goodbye!
