Hungary 1 Switzerland 3: Embolo scores late to seal win after return from injury as Swiss get off to flyer at Euro 2024
SWITZERLAND held off a spirited Hungarian fight back to triumph 3-1 in their Euro 2024 opener.
Murat Yakin’s side went into the match having watched Germany tonk Scotland 5-1 in Group A’s first clash last night.
GettyBreel Embolo lobs Peter Gulacsi[/caption]
GettyEmbolo celebrates his Swiss clincher[/caption]
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London-born Kwadwo Duah got the Swiss off to a perfect start on 12 minutes, when he converted beyond Hungary goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi.
Young Boys ace Michel Aebischer then made it two on the stroke of half-time, handing the Hungarians an uphill task.
They did give themselves hope, when Barnabas Varga pulled one back on 66 minutes.
But while Marco Rossi’s side pushed for an equaliser, the Swiss held firm to secure a vital three points – grabbing a third late on through substitute Breel Embolo, who missed much of the season through injury.
After the match, ITV pundit Gael Clichy gushed over super-sub.
The Frenchman, 38, said: “Embolo is exceptional. He’s fast, powerful – he can even play on the wing at times.
“When he’s on it, he’s a very important player.”
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While Embolo impressed from the bench, his team-mate Granit Xhaka was awarded the Player of the Match gong.
The former Arsenal midfielder, now of Bayer Leverkusen, beamed as he clutched his award after the match.
GettyGranit Xhaka earned the Player of the Match award[/caption]
GettyLondon-born Kwadwo Duah gave Switzerland the lead[/caption]
AFPDuah, 27, celebrates his opener[/caption]
GettyMichel Aebischer doubles Switzerland’s lead[/caption]
APAebischer put his side two goals to the good[/caption]
GettyBarnabas Varga pulled one back for Hungary[/caption]
GettyVarga had given Marco Rossi’s side hope in the second half[/caption]
