Switzerland defeats Albania 1-0 in Group A at EURO 2016
Xinhua, June 11, 2016 Adjust font size:
Swiss defender Fabian Schar scored an early goal to give Switzerland a 1-0 victory over debutant Albania in the second Group A game of the UEFA EURO 2016 in Lens of France on Saturday.
In the fifth minute, Swiss forward Xherdan Shaqiri whipped the ball from the right corner, met by the Hoffenheim defender Fabian Schar who rose above Albania goal-keeper Etrit Berisha to send in the game winner.
Albania's hopes of a first ever win in the tournament suffered a blow when their captain Loric Cana was sent off for a second yellow card in the 14th minute.
With the abscence of Cana, Albania were dominated by Switzerland with early pressing and a better possession.
In the 86th munite, a cross by Albania winger Ermir Lenjani from the left was wasted by the substitute Shkelzen Gashi. He was straight through on goal, only to allow the Swiss goal-keeper Yann Sommer to palm away the shot.
Switzerland achieved three points in Lens and led Group A with France. Albania will miss Cana for the next Group A match against France but still have opportunities in the playoffs. Endit