Switzerland outclass Hungary in Euros opener

Switzerland kicked off their Euro 2024 campaign with a commanding 3-1 victory over a stumbling Hungary on Saturday, with first-time international goals for Kwadwo Duah and Michel Aebischer, as well as Breel Embolo scoring on his return from injury.

Chasing a spot in the knockout rounds of their sixth consecutive major tournament, Switzerland were a classy outfit, composed, organised, and quick on the attack, while Hungary, billed as the tournament's dark horses, made numerous mistakes and struggled to get into the game.

In only his second international match, Duah put the Swiss ahead with a cool finish after 12 minutes after being put through by Aebischer, who doubled the lead on the stroke of halftime with a superb curling shot from outside the box following sloppy defending.

Hungary were stunned but improved in the second half, with Barnabas Varga wasting a clear opportunity when he found himself in space but headed wide of the post.

He did, however, score in the 66th minute, crouching low to head home Dominik Szoboszlai's neat cross, sparking a frantic fightback that the Swiss resolutely resisted, responding with a flurry of chances of their own.

After another Hungarian error in stoppage time, substitute Embolo sealed the victory by lifting the ball over the keeper, causing frenzied Swiss celebrations.

Switzerland were desperate for a strong start to the tournament after scraping through a weak group in a disappointing qualifying campaign marred by late game mishaps.

Player of the match Granit Xhaka, played an important role in the victory by controlling the pace of play, making pinpoint passes, and coming close to scoring late goals twice.

Aebischer and Duah were reinstated in the Switzerland squad, and Embolo was able to return from injury, and their selection proved inspired, with Aebischer leading multiple attacks that exposed the Hungarian defence's frailty.

Hungary's start to their third consecutive Euros was disappointing, despite high expectations following a 14-game unbeaten streak that ended only recently, and excitement over Szoboszlai, who made his tournament debut as the European Championship's youngest captain at 23.

On Wednesday, Hungary play Germany, and Switzerland face Scotland in the next Group A match.

SportsLigue