Euro 2012 Qualifiers: Loic Remy Goal Reminded Me of Thierry Henry

France went to the top of group D after two late goals in the last 10 minutes helped them beat Romania at the Stade de France.

Loic Remy and Yoann Gourcuff came off the bench to fire Les Bleus to a 2-0 victory and give a massive boost to manager Laurent Blanc.

Paris was filled with emphatic supporters that waved French flags non-stop, adding to the pressure of this game for the home side. After their shock defeat to Belarus, France needed all three points to keep on track of qualifications and give their critics something to talk about.

The French coach did not hesitate to bring in some new faces to the squad that is in transition. Reveillere made an appearance seven years after his debut for the national side. Dimitri Payet was included in the squad for the first time and Blanc chose Alou Diarra as his new captain.

France had most of the possession but failed to create clear cut chances at the start of the game with Karim Benzema playing the lone striker role. However, Malouda, Valbuena, and Nasri all stepped up and the home side became more fluent.

Nasri's first half performance was instrumental as he twisted his markers and shot at goal on two occasions. The Frenchman teed up Benzema for a curling effort that scrapped the post just before halftime.

After the break, it was more of the same. Romanian keeper Pantilimon made several saves from Valbuena and Nasri. Blanc brought on Loic Remy. Remy reminded me of Thierry Henry the moment he stepped on the pitch. The striker caused some problems with his pace. Gourcuff came on as the game looked to be heading for a goalless draw.

Diarra sent over a long ball, and Remy ran onto it at speed, composed himself, and slotted the ball into the bottom corner. The French erupted with relief. Remy's goal reminded me of that Henry swagger, from the run to the finish. He will be a big player for France in the future.

Minutes from the end, new player Payet tested the goalkeeper before bursting to the byline and picking out Gourcuff. The midfielder coolly slammed the ball home for France's second goal on the night to send Les Bleus to the top of Group D.

Next for France is a home game against Luxembourg. Blanc has finally got the right ingredient.

Prediction: France 3-0 Luxembourg.