In the opening match of Euro 2024 Group A, Hungary suffered a 3-1 defeat by Switzerland on Saturday in Cologne. Switzerland launched their Euro 2024 campaign in an impressive manner with an assertive victory, thanks to goals from debutantes Kwadwo Duah and Michel Aebischer, and the inevitable score from Breel Embolo, who has just returned from an injury layoff.
Duah shone in only his second national appearance, ushering the Swiss into the lead 12 minutes into the game with a composed finish, assisted by Aebischer. Nearing half-time, Aebischer demonstrated his prowess by extending their lead with a remarkable curling shot from beyond the penalty area.
On the 66th-minute mark, Hungary retaliated through Barnabas Varga, who effectively headed in a spiral cross by Dominik Szoboszlai. This resulted in a roused attempt to even the match. However, Switzerland, rather stoically, sealed their victory with a third goal in extra time as second-string player Embolo cashed in on a blunder.
Striving to advance to the knockout stages for the sixth successive time in a major tournament, Switzerland appeared skillful, showing thorough organization at the back and speed in the attack. Granit Xhaka was a notable player, coordinating the play, while Dan Ndoye consistently plagued the Hungarian defence.
Both Aebischer and Duah were reintroduced into the Swiss team by coach Murat Yakin, a strategy that proved enviously fruitful, as Aebischer emerged as a key player in multiple attacks during the first half, successfully exploiting the vulnerabilities of the Hungarian defence.
Hungary had a disheartening start to their third continuous Euros competition, particularly after their extraordinary 14-match unbeaten streak drew to a close recently with a loss against the Republic of Ireland in a friendly match hosted in Dublin.
Despite Hungary grabbing the first opportunity of the match in the ninth minute, their effort was wasted as Roland Sallai’s shot, assisted by Attila Fiola, soared over the bar. Switzerland took the lead soon after through Aebischer and Duah’s cooperation. The goal was validated post a VAR inspection.
Hungary had another setback when Ruben Vargas intercepted a poor back pass and attempted a shot. However, Peter Gulacsi, the Hungarian goalkeeper, was able to deflect the shot. Hungary’s consistent failure to efficiently clear the ball led to Aebischer’s second goal of the match just before half-time, giving Switzerland a confident lead.
Hungary made it to the last 16 in the 2016 tournament and bowed out at the group stages in Euro 2020. They demonstrated a stronger performance in the second half and managed to stage an ephemeral comeback after they scored. However, the Swiss held their nerve, with Xhaka and Ndoye producing notable opportunities towards the end. The game’s final flourish saw Embolo skillfully lofting the ball above the goalie, taking the score to three.