Euro 2024: Switzerland beat Hungary in group A
Switzerland kicked off their Euro 2024 campaign with a hard-fought victory over Hungary at Cologne Stadium on Saturday, June 15, 2024. SportsRation reports.
Manager Murat Yakin’s decision to include Kwadwo Duah in the lineup paid off as Duah scored his first international goal, giving Switzerland an early lead. Michel Aebischer doubled the advantage just before half-time.
Hungary’s Barnabas Varga reignited their hopes by converting a well-placed cross from Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai with 30 minutes remaining. However, substitute Breel Embolo secured Switzerland’s win in stoppage time with a skillful lob over Hungarian goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi.
Switzerland’s early dominance was evident as Hungary struggled to create opportunities in the first half. Duah, who had previously only played 45 minutes for Switzerland, capitalized on a precise pass from Aebischer to score in the 12th minute. Aebischer then showcased his own scoring ability by curling a shot past Gulacsi from 20 yards out.
Hungary had a chance to close the gap in the 63rd minute when Varga missed a close-range header. Nevertheless, Varga made amends shortly after, heading in Szoboszlai’s cross to make it 2-1. Despite Hungary’s efforts and support from their fans, they couldn’t find an equalizer.
Monaco’s Embolo, recently back from a cruciate ligament injury, came off the bench in the 74th minute and took advantage of a defensive mistake to score Switzerland’s third goal in the dying moments of the match.
With this win, Switzerland sits second in Group A, trailing only the hosts Germany, who thrashed Scotland 5-1. Switzerland will next face Scotland in Cologne on Wednesday, while Hungary will take on Germany earlier the same day.
