Varane winner crowns France's Vélodrome return

A lively atmosphere at the new-look Stade Vélodrome – and perhaps the presence of the newly unveiled UEFA EURO 2016 mascot – helped get France back to winning ways on Tuesday night, Raphaël Varane scoring late to earn a 1-0 victory against Sweden.

The Real Madrid CF man converted with a powerful header at the near post seven minutes from time as Les Bleus dominated against a Sweden side shorn of injured captain Zlatan Ibrahimović. France had controlled play and might have been more emphatic winners had Karim Benzema not struck a penalty over the crossbar after Oscar Wendt was penalised for handling in the area.

However, if Benzema's finishing let France down, then the crowd at the Stade Vélodrome certainly did not. Reopened last month after three years' work – including a new roof – to refit the home of Olympique de Marseille for hosting duties at UEFA EURO 2016, the Stade Vélodrome had not staged a France match since a 2-0 loss to Argentina – coached by Diego Maradona – on 10 February 2009. The fans' enthusiasm made up for lost time.

For one night only, Marseille's home colours of white and sky blue were traded for the blue of the national team, with the tricolore makeup sported by supporters testimony to the city's passion. 'Tifos' – choreographed displays of fans' fervour in the stands – were further signals of the atmosphere that can be expected when the finals come to Marseille in summer 2016; the Stade Vélodrome will hold six UEFA EURO 2016 games, including one France group stage match, a quarter-final and a semi-final.

Current Marseille players Steve Mandanda, Dimitri Payet and André-Pierre Gignac were given a welcome "à la Marseillaise", as were coach Didier Deschamps and fellow OM old boy Mathieu Valbuena, who spent eight seasons in Marseille before leaving for FC Dinamo Moskva in August. Chants of "Allez les Bleus" echoed through the venue all game, and fans' efforts were redoubled after the break despite a goalless first half.

Indeed, the 60,000 crowd roared Les Bleus on every inch of the way, Varane's goal being greeted with rapturous celebrations, with Marseille once more eager to play its part in a French victory. Founded in 1899, OM are one of France's oldest clubs, and the most successful, but the city has been significant for the national side too. France beat Portugal 3-2 here in an epic 1984 UEFA European Championship semi en route to ousting Spain in the final, and also opened their 1998 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 3-0 Marseille triumph against South Africa.

The Sweden result may not have been as significant, but supporters in the city will be hoping Marseille can once more contribute to a big French success in 2016.