By Izuchukwu OkosiAn early goal by Fabian Schar was the difference as Switzerland defeated Albania 1-0 Saturday afternoon in the second Group A game of the UEFA Euro 2016 tournament.
The pre-match hype surrounded the brotherly confrontation between Arsenal new boy, Granit Xhaka and Taulant, dominated but it was the new Gunner and not his brother who was furious when substituted that came out the winner with his team.
The teams’ goalkeepers were outstanding but it was Switzerland who scored in the 5th minute through Fabian Schar as hhe rose high to head Xerdan Shaqiri’s corner inside the net and beyond the goalkeeper.
Albania captain Lorik Cana saw red towards the end of the first half after he was yellow-carded for a deliberate handball, his second booking of the match.
Albania keeper Etrit Berisha was forced into action to thwart Haris Seferovic nine minutes into the second half. The striker found himself some space after picking up a pass and unleashed a shot to the left post but couldn’t beat the Albanian shot stopper.
Berisha also denied Seferovic in the 68th minute as the striker pounced on a Breel Embolo through pass and ripped a shot goalwards.
Embolo and Armando Sadiku for Switzerland and Albania respectively went close to finding the net at the opposing ends but the score remained the same as Swiss keeper Yann Sommer stopped Shkelzen Gashi who ran with the ball towards him and pulled the trigger from close range.