Euro 2024: ‘dark horses’ Hungary suffer opening-game defeat by impressive Switzerland
- The Swiss knocked out favourites France at last tournament and win moves them level at top of Group A with Germany
Switzerland claimed a 3-1 victory over Hungary with the help of a tactical masterclass on Saturday that could be crucial for progressing from the Euro 2024 group stage.
Michel Aebischer set up the first from Kwadwo Duah in the 12th minute and then struck himself at the end of the first half. It was the first international goal for both players who were named as surprise starters by coach Murat Yakin.
Hungary pulled one back from Barnabas Varga in the 66th in an improved second half under the eyes of their Prime Minister Viktor Orban as part of the 47,000-strong crowd. But substitute Breel Embolo wrapped up matters for the Swiss in stoppage time.
Switzerland had upset then world champions France to reach the quarter-finals of the last Euros in 2021, and Saturday’s success put them level on three points with hosts Germany, who had routed Scotland 5-1 in the tournament opener in Group A.
The Swiss next meet Scotland next while Germany face Hungary. Germany and Switzerland will be assured of a place in the last 16 if they win their games, before they meet in the June 23 group finale. Third-place finishers also have a chance to advance.
“It was brutally important to start with a victory,” player of the match Granit Xhaka from German double winners Bayer Leverkusen told Swiss broadcasters SRG.” We deserved the victory.