France vs. Romania Euro 2016 Predictions, Schedule, Streaming Info & Preview As Tournament Opens Friday

Created by Francisco Salazar Jun 09 2016, 07:10 AM EDT

France and Romania kick of the Euro 2016 on Friday in what will be one of the most anticipated nights of June for soccer fans.

Can France have a big tournament at home?

France is seen as a favorite on its home soil to life the big trophy having won the World Cup at home in 1998 and the 2000 Euro here as well.

But it has been a long time since France has been this good, with the 2006 World Cup final the last time the team has threatened for a championship.

But now France enters a tournament in which it should have no difficulty romping through its group.

France is coming off a 3-0 win over Scotland, its final prep match before its game against Romania. Olivier Giroud was the hero on the night, scoring twice for his country as the French swung into top form.

Les Bleues have won five straight heading into the tournament scoring at least three goals in every win but conceding at least two goals in four of those five. France's defensive compactness will certainly be a story to watch in this tournament.

Romania is coming off a 5-1 win over Georgia in international friendlies but has just two wins in its last six.

Player to watch

Antoine Griezmann is undeniably the face of France and will be called upon to lead the offensive line. He may not be the team's top scorer as Giroud has seemingly taken that role on in recent matches. That said, Griezmann can do it all on offense and could be the difference maker.

History favors France

The French have beaten Romania seven times, drawn five times and lost just three. To make matters worse for Romania, their three wins against France came between 1932 and 1972. Since then France has not lost a single game against Romania and has a record of three wins and three draws in the Euro and five wins and three draws in major international competitions. Romania's three wins came in friendlies.