Switzerland took a significant step towards the Euro 2024 knockout stages with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Hungary in their Group A opener on Saturday, June 15th.
After Group A counterparts Germany thumping Scotland last night, the Hungary-Switzerland match had major implications for the group, and it was the Swiss who started stronger.
They showed their vast tournament experience by taking full control in the opening minutes, and it wasn’t long before their midfielder Kwadwo Duah opened the scoring in the 12th minute with his maiden international goal, slotting past Peter Gulacsi after a superb through ball from Michel Aebischer.
Michel Aebischer then went from provider to scorer when he doubled Switzerland’s advantage just before the break, bending a delightful strike from Remo Freuler into the corner.
However, Marco Rossi’s Hungary side emerged a different proposition in the second half, showing the determination that made them one of the surprise packages and a tough team to beat in the qualifiers.
Barnabas Varga pulled a goal back for the Hungarians in the 66th minute , capitalising on a superb delivery from Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai to give his side a lifeline.
As Hungary pushed for an equalizer, Switzerland appeared to grow increasingly anxious, but they managed to see out the victory in stoppage time.
Substitute Breel Embolo, who came on in the 74th minute for Ruben Vargas took advantage of a defensive error from Hungary to seal the three points for Switzerland with a clever lob in the 93rd minute. The game ended 3-1 in favour of Switzerland.
The result showcased Switzerland’s pedigree, with the side prevailing despite a spirited Hungarian fightback.
For the underdogs, there will be disappointment at not taking anything from the game, but they can take heart from a much-improved second-half display as they aim to push Germany all the way in the race for second place in Group A.
The result takes Switzerland to second-place on the log of Group A, level on points with Germany, but two goals behind them on goal difference. Hungary is in third, while Scotland who lost 5-1 yesterday are the last on the table.
