Although Taulant Xhaka blazed Albania’s first sight of goal over the top it helped his team gain confidence and they forced Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer into action in the 31st minute.
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And it was particularly hard viewing for their mother at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis as she had divided loyalties. Rarely do you have so many players on both sides of an worldwide encounter eligible to play for the other side.
Switzerland, playing in their fourth European Championships, are seeking to reach the knock-out phase for the first time.
With 15 minutes remaining, Embolo curled over from a promising position and he was nearly made to pay when Sadiku was provided with the chance to equalise for Albania from close range, only to see his near post effort hit the side-netting.
The Swiss had several chances in the second half kept out by Berisha, notably in the 66th minute when striker Haris Seferovic was put through with only the keeper to beat. Switzerland will need to start on the front foot and an early goal would be beneficial.
Switzerland star Granit Xhaka was relieved to emerge victorious in what he considered a “bizarre” match-up against brother Taulant on Saturday.
When Lorik Cana, Albania’s captain and talisman, was dismissed before half-time for a second bookable offence – something that had certainly been on the cards after his caution for a wild slash at Blerim Dzemaili – the game appeared to be up.
Switzerland made a winning start to UEFA EURO 2016 but the ten men of Albania gave them an almighty scare in the teams’ first Group A outing. With exciting attacking talent in the shape of the mercurial Xherdan Shaqiri and Granit Xhaka, they have the ability to do damage in this tournament. They have never lost to Albania (5-0-1) and will look to be favored in this one as well.
Sommer raced off his line and stuck out a leg to stop Armando Sadiku bending home Elseid Hysaj’s sublime pass around the back of the defence.
Jean Patrick Berbera was racing to install extra security shutters to his store in the Old Port area.
French President Francois Hollande has praised the country’s transport and security services for their handling of the opening match.
He said spectators were able to get to the stadium with “no difficulty at all” and that everything “went smoothly” on the trains and the metro (subway) and for those driving.
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Albania captain Lorik Cana admits he was desperate to have Granit Xhaka choose to play for his side, rather than Switzerland.
