Olivier Giroud is doing a cracking job of discrediting what I said a couple of entries ago as he finds himself in space again to direct a header goalwards. This time his effort strikes the base of the post. He's getting closer.

Image source, Reuters

Second change for France as Antoine Griezmann replaces Kingsley Coman and we are back to the same France XI that started the first game.

Si's Insights: The longer this stays 0-0 the more Albania will believe they can do a Senegal.

And as I type that tactical analysis, Oliver Giroud goes and gets free off Mergim Mavraj to meet a cross but sends his header wide of the far post.

You can't fault the Arsenal man's recent international record but my word is he frustrating to watch sometimes.

Albania have done a really good job of neutralising Olivier Giroud. They've got 6ft3ins defender Mergim Mavraj on him at all times to neutralise the France striker's height and it is working as Giroud has to watch another corner sail over his head.

Image source, AP

Neil Lennon
Hibernian manager in Marseille for BBC Radio 5 live

"There's a little bit more about France since they brought Pogba on at half-time, but Albania continue to defend well. Will Didier Deschamps look to gamble more and throw on another striker? Or would he settle for a point? He'd surely be criticised for it..."

Albania have retreated to the edge of the area as France start to up the ante. Les Bleus win a corner, but it is cleared before Laurent Koscielny flicks a header high over the bar.

Seth Gogo Egoeh: Seriously, we've all underestimated Albania. They're gallantly matching France boot-for-boot and toe-to-toe.

I'm starting to feel mildly optimistic about my chances of winning £48.20p in the sweepstake I'm in...

Nice one-touch football from France between Patrice Evra and Dimitri Payet ends with Blaise Matuidi away down the left. His low cross is cut out by Albania. 

The hosts are just starting to find their groove now. 

Neil Lennon
Hibernian manager in Marseille for BBC Radio 5 live

"France are actually crossing the ball, and getting people into the box. They've created more chances since the break than they did in the whole first half." 

Referee William Collum has allowed things to tick over in this game but produces his first yellow card as Burim Kukeli fouls Kingsley Coman. That's his second booking of the tournament and means he'll miss their final group game against Romania.

Image source, Reuters

And a chance now for France as Paul Pogba thumps an effort on the half-volley just over the bar.

End-to-end at the moment. Great stuff.

Neil Lennon
Hibernian manager in Marseille for BBC Radio 5 live

"Wonderful ball in, I can't believe it's come back off the post! Did it hit him on the head and bounce wide? Whether it's complacency or whatever you want to call it, it might cost France tonight..."

Ohhh, so close to a goal for Albania! 

A brilliant ball to the box finds Ledian Memushaj and his first-time effort beats Hugo Lloris but strikes the bottom of the post. The ball rebounds to Memushaj, now on the floor, but he knows little about it as the ball bounces just wide.

Image source, Getty Images

Suddenly France have a bit more zip about them as Blaise Matuidi stretches every muscle to try to reach a ball into the box, but Etrit Berisha is out to punch the ball into the France midfielder's face.

Neil Lennon
Hibernian manager in Marseille for BBC Radio 5 live

"That came from, straight away, two midfielders breaking into the box. France create their best opening after what, 46 seconds in the half?

"Already there's more intensity and urgency in their play. And it's needed because they basically wasted the first 45 minutes." 

Image source, Reuters

France switch to 4-3-3 with Paul Pogba in the middle and Dimitri Payet and Kingsley Coman either side of Olivier Giroud.

There's an immediate chance for the hosts as Giroud crosses, Blaise Matuidi knocks the ball on but Coman heads just wide.

Stewart, Essex: Amazingly, Martial was the only player who provided a few sparks for Man Utd last season, and yet he's come into the France team and they've turned into Man Utd!

The experiment is over as Paul Pogba is brought on for the second half, replacing Anthony Martial.

We are back under way.

Image source, AP

Neil Lennon
Hibernian manager in Marseille for BBC Radio 5 live

"There's been no shots on goal from France, no excitement in the Albania box, it's all been about Albania's danger from set pieces and towards the end of the half they were the stronger team. I've been really impressed by Albania."