Albania vs Switzerland
Albania had their moments and created a couple of decent chances – but it may have turned out quite differently if they had 11 players on the pitch. Fabian Schar’s early header, capitalising on an error from the goalkeeper Etri Berisha, was enough to earn Vladimir Petkovic’s Switzerland an opening weekend win. Albania had their captain, Lorik Cana, sent off eight minutes before the interval for a second yellow due to a deliberate handball but battled well. In reality, neither are likely to trouble France in Group A and go deep into this tournament.Albania versus Switzerland may not be one that appealed to the masses but this game was a belter.
Those who decided to put faith in this contest for their Saturday afternoon entertainment were not let down.
Switzerland started like a train and went ahead through Schar after Berisha flapped at a Shaqiri corner before Albania started to give it a real go.
Cana’s sending off in the first half saw Switzerland take control once again and it looked as though Albania’s hopes were over.
The Swiss had a host of glorious chances in the second half and superb saves from Berisha kept Albania in it.
But it was Albania who finished the strongest and could have equalised when Gashi was denied when one-on-one.
FULL-TIME! Switzerland snatch a 1-0 Group A win over Albania, with Schar's early header proving to be just enough against 10 men. Cana saw
red in the first half, with wasteful finishing meaning that the scoreline remained in stasis. Gashi missed the best chance to equalise, with Sadiku and Seferovic also criminally abject in front of goal.
MIGMAGING