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A 90th-minute header by substitute striker Antoine Griezmann and a stoppage-time second by Dimitri Payet secured France a 2-0 win over Albania on Wednesday that sent the hosts through as the first team into the last 16 of Euro 2016.
France had struggled to make any impression on a determined Albanian defence and as the clock ticked into the last minute neither team had managed a shot on target — though both had hit a post.
They had needed an 89th-minute Payet goal to beat Romania in their first game last Friday and it was even later when centre back Adil Rami swung in a hopeful cross that Griezmann guided expertly home.
The 67,000 Stade Velodrome crowd — minus 20,000 stunned Albanians — erupted in a wave of noise, which was repeated minutes later when Payet cut inside to score a second.
With six points France are guaranteed to finish in the top two of Group A, with Switzerland, on four points after drawing with Romania earlier, favourites to join them.
France vs Albania player ratings: Who rated highest in Marseilles?Show all 24 1 /24France vs Albania player ratings: Who rated highest in Marseilles? France vs Albania player ratings: Who rated highest in Marseilles? Hugo Lloris: 6 out of 10 Another quiet evening for the Tottenham goalkeeper which will be a relief given the questionable defence in front of him.
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France vs Albania player ratings: Who rated highest in Marseilles? Bacary Sagna: 6 out of 10 Endured a tricky evening against Lenjani, and almost bundled the ball into his own net.
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France vs Albania player ratings: Who rated highest in Marseilles? Adil Rami: 7 out of 10 With little to do at the back, the defender helped out the forwards with a pinpoint cross for Griezmann to open the scoring at the death.
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France vs Albania player ratings: Who rated highest in Marseilles? Laurent Koscielny: 6 out of 10 The headers in his own box were more effective than those attacking the Albania goal.
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France vs Albania player ratings: Who rated highest in Marseilles? Patrice Evra: 5 out of 10 The toll of two games in six days showed on the 35-year-old.
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France vs Albania player ratings: Who rated highest in Marseilles? N'Golo Kante: 7 out of 10 The perfect man to cover a fragile French defence, he even took one for the team late on with a booking to halt Albanian tracks.
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France vs Albania player ratings: Who rated highest in Marseilles? Blaise Matuidi: 7 out of 10 Improved with the change of tactics, and was a constant menace in the second half.
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France vs Albania player ratings: Who rated highest in Marseilles? Kingsley Coman: 7 out of 10 The youngster terrorised on both wings, but often lacked a convincing end product.
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France vs Albania player ratings: Who rated highest in Marseilles? Dimitri Payet: 8 out of 10 Frustrated in a number ten role until his switch wide in the second half. Great vision and distribution, he bagged another brilliant injury-time goal.
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France vs Albania player ratings: Who rated highest in Marseilles? Anthony Martial: 5 out of 10 Lost possession on a number of occasions, and was replaced by Pogba at half-time
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France vs Albania player ratings: Who rated highest in Marseilles? Olivier Giroud: 6 out of 10 Mainly threatened in air, the striker misfired in Marseille - although he was unfortunate when hitting the post.
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France vs Albania player ratings: Who rated highest in Marseilles? Paul Pogba: 7 out of 10 Surprisingly started on the bench, but entered in the second half to lift his team to a late victory.
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France vs Albania player ratings: Who rated highest in Marseilles? Antoine Griezmann: 7 out of 10 On as a half-time substitute, the forward saw little action until his late intervention.
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France vs Albania player ratings: Who rated highest in Marseilles? Etrit Berisha: 6 out of 10 Took a number of France crosses with confidence, but didn't have a shot on target to save until those late goals.
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France vs Albania player ratings: Who rated highest in Marseilles? Elseid Hysaj: 7 out of 10 The highly-rated right-back executed a number of fine tackles, and also produced the odd testing delivery at the other end.
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France vs Albania player ratings: Who rated highest in Marseilles? Arlind Ajeti: 9 out of 10 After one early miscue, the centre-back was superb contributing with a series of blocks, tackles and clearances. No surprise that France scored after he was substituted with concussion.
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France vs Albania player ratings: Who rated highest in Marseilles? Mergim Mavraj: 7 out of 10 Another who deserved a clean sheet, he made several vital interceptions.
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France vs Albania player ratings: Who rated highest in Marseilles? Ansi Agolli: 6 out of 10 The left-back held his position well when France pressed down his wing.
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France vs Albania player ratings: Who rated highest in Marseilles? Burim Kukeli: 7 out of 10 The defensive midfielder never stopped chasing down loose balls, and often broke up play with aplomb until France threw more men forward
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France vs Albania player ratings: Who rated highest in Marseilles? Andi Lila: 5 out of 10 Took a high-boot from Evra in the first half, and failed to impact the game further before his substitution.
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France vs Albania player ratings: Who rated highest in Marseilles? Amir Abrashi: 6 out of 10 Dropped deeper than he would have liked to join the defensive ranks, but proved adequate cover to the cause.
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France vs Albania player ratings: Who rated highest in Marseilles? Ledian Memushaj: 6 out of 10 Fired a first half free-kick over the crossbar, and kept the French defence on their toes once they overloaded in attack.
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France vs Albania player ratings: Who rated highest in Marseilles? Ermir Lenjani: 6 out of 10 Started brightly, and showed a willingness to go for goal with his left foot. Faded late on
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France vs Albania player ratings: Who rated highest in Marseilles? Armando Sadiku: 6 out of 10 Chased the play all night, and was a good outsource for when Albania cleared their lines.
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But which player performed best for Les Bleus? Check out our gallery and leave your comments in the section below.
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