Swiss on a roll as they defeat helpless Hungary 3-1 in Euro 2024 opener
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Switzerland forward Kwadwo Duah scores his team's first goal against Hungary goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi in their Euro 2024 Group A clash.
AFP
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COLOGNE – Switzerland began their Euro 2024 campaign in style with a 3-1 Group A victory over tournament dark horses Hungary on June 15, with Kwadwo Duah, Michel Aebischer and Breel Embolo all on target.
Duah put the Swiss ahead in the 12th minute in Cologne from Aebischer’s defence-splitting pass – the goal initially ruled offside but allowed after a VAR (video assistant referee) check.
It was the striker’s first goal for his country and Aebischer then opened his own international account with a superb curler on the stroke of half-time to put his side firmly in control.
Hungary, who qualified impressively under Italian coach Marco Rossi, were a different proposition after the break and got a lifeline in the 66th minute when Barnabas Varga stooped to head in Dominik Szoboszlai’s inswinging cross.
But Switzerland resisted late Hungarian pressure and Embolo – who returned from a serious knee injury not long ago – seized on a defensive error in stoppage time to seal the points.
The Swiss are now level with Germany on three points, after the hosts thrashed Scotland 5-1 on June 14.
“I will congratulate my team and my staff,” Switzerland coach Murat Yakin told Swiss broadcaster RSI Sport.
“We all worked together for this moment, in front of some great fans. Everyone applied themselves well today.”
He added in his press conference afterwards: “It’s important we won our first game but I wasn’t so happy with our second half, so we have to play better next week.
“Next Wednesday (against Scotland) is a completely different game. It’s (also) not easy to play against Germany.”
Chasing a place in the knockout rounds in their sixth consecutive major tournament, the Swiss looked a classy outfit, composed and organised at the back and quick on the attack, with captain Granit Xhaka controlling the play and Dan Ndoye constantly troubling the Hungarian defence.
There were concerns in the build-up to the match, however, as reports of a rift between Yakin and his players over tactics surfaced and even led to calls for the coach to be fired.
Xhaka, in his role as skipper, had to come out on June 14 to state that the air had been cleared in time for the Euro.
A recent dinner with the coach featuring “plenty of wine” healed the wounds and the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder showed his support for Yakin with his man-of-the-match performance.
Uefa’s technical observer panel said of Xhaka’s display: “He was excellent in possession, both in build-up play and in supplying penetrating passes.
“He displayed a great work ethic and showed superb leadership, offering great organisational skills.”
Hungary coach Rossi, meanwhile, took the blame for his team’s defeat.
“The first half was very bad, apart from the first seven to eight minutes. We were too passive,” he said.
“Switzerland are a very experienced side with quality players. Against these teams at this level, it becomes very difficult.
“I am not looking to point fingers. I am the coach, so I take responsibility.”
Switzerland face Scotland in their second game on June 19, while Hungary play Germany on the same day. REUTERS, AFP
