Switzerland started their Euro 2016 run with a narrow 1-0 win against Albania in Group A.
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Schar easily found the net from Xherdan Shaqiri’s corner in the fifth minute as Albanian keeper Etrit Berisha rushed off his line carelessly.
Switzerland were off to the better start as a sweet strike from Shaqiri whips in the corner, and is headed in by Hoffenheim defender Schar (9′).
Late in the first half, Albania’s captain Lorik Cana left his team with 10 men after being sent off for a second yellow card.
Berisha went on to redeem himself with a number of good saves but the early damage could not be repaired, although it was not for the lack of effort as the well-supported Albanians made light of their numerical disadvantage with a gutsy display.
A new chapter in an emerging rivalry between these two sides was being written prior to give kick-off with confirmation that brothers Taulant Xhaka (FC Basel) of Albania and Granit Xhaka (new Arsenal signing) of Switzerland would be lining up for their sides.
Ten players in the Albanian squad were either born in or grew up in Switzerland.
Switzerland beat Albania 1-0. He might be lucky if they discuss this game for more than two hours, but Granit Xhaka will certainly have tongues wagging.
On the 27th minute, Albania tried again when from 12 yards out, Roshi sent a powerful shot into the stands. They both played for Swiss national youth teams before Taulant chose to represent Albania at senior level.
The Swiss broke the deadlock after five minutes.
The Swiss missed a series of scoring chances, with Berisha denying Seferovic on four occasions and Dzemaili hitting the post from a free kick.
It took until the 26th minute for Albania to carve out their first real chance of the match.
Switzerland lead Group A together with hosts France, who also have three points in the bag after a 2-1 win against Romania on Friday.
Albania and Switzerland battle it out for an important three points at Euro 2016 and you can find here the information on how to follow this match with live streaming or on TV.
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With Kosovo’s recent admission to UEFA and Federation Internationale de Football Association, it is very possible the great core of those players will take up the option of switching nationalities, so Albania’s first-ever appearance at a major finals may well be their last for some time. The first time in Euro history that siblings have played simultaneously on opposing sides.
