Euro-2024: victorious over Hungary 3-1, Switzerland joins Germany at the top of Group A

Not knowing where to stand after disappointing qualifications, Switzerland reassured itself and got its Euro 2024 off to a perfect start by easily overcoming Hungary 3-1 on Saturday at Cologne, to join Germany at the top of Group A.

While the Nati will truly have to be judged against a more substantial opposition, Granit Xhaka's partners have nevertheless quickly dispelled the doubts that surrounded them before the start of the competition.

In attack in particular, where the form of the Monegasque Breel Embolo, barely back from injury, and the star Xherdan Shakiri, exiled in the United States for two seasons, pushed Murat Yakin to select just before the Euro, Kwadwo Duah, 27 years old, of Ghanaian origin, passed through all the youth selections of Switzerland, without ever being called up with the Nati.

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A quarter of an hour into the game, the Ludogorets (Bulgaria) striker went behind the Hungarian defense, received a superb pass from Michel Aebischer, only to find himself alone against Peter Gulacsi, the Hungarian goalkeeper, deceive him, and score thus, after using VAR, his first goal with Switzerland, for his second selection (1-0, 14th).

At the end of the first period, Aebisher took advantage of the passivity of the Hungarian defense to calmly adjust Gulacsi with a strike at the edge of the area (2-0 , 45th).

Totally overwhelmed until then, Hungary recovered in the second half, reducing the score with a header from Barnabas Varga, its center forward, perfectly served by Dominik Szoboszlai (2-1, 66th).

The Liverpool midfielder, 23 years old, the youngest captain of this Euro, worked hard to maintain his team afloat.

He almost succeeded when his partners laid siege to Yann Sommer's goal and the Swiss defense, never called upon in the first period, but far from being as effective as his attack during the second.

But Breel Embolo, who came into play in the 74th minute, delivered his own, on the counter, thanks to a lob on Gulacsi (3-1, 90th+3) .

Switzerland will seek qualification for the elimination phase on Wednesday against Scotland. The same day, Hungary will challenge Germany, favorite of the competition since their inaugural 5-1 victory against the Scots on Friday.

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