Switzerland Outclass Hungary with 3-1 Victory in Euro 2024 Opener

Switzerland, vying for a spot in the knockout stages of their sixth straight major competition, looked elegant. With debut international goals for Kwadwo Duah, Michel Aebischer, and Breel Embolo on his return from injury, Switzerland dominated a weak Hungary 3-1 on Saturday to kick off their Euro 2024 campaign.

Aebischer put the Swiss ahead with a calm finish after 12 minutes of play. Duah, playing in just his second national team game, increased the lead near the half with a fantastic curling goal from outside the box.

Barnabas Varga’s diving header of Dominik Szoboszlai’s curling cross into the bottom corner in the 66th minute gave Hungary a scare, but the Swiss held firm and added three goals when replacement Embolo took advantage of a mistake in stoppage time.

With Granit Xhaka in charge of the play and Dan Ndoye posing a constant threat to the Hungarian defense, Switzerland looked like a quality side as they pursued a spot in the knockout stages of their sixth consecutive major championship.

Coach Murat Yakin restored Aebischer and Duah to the Switzerland team, and the decision was wise as Aebischer was a key player in several of the first-half attacks that revealed the weaknesses in the Hungarian defense.

Hungary had great expectations following their incredible run of 14 games without a loss, which ended just recently, but their start to their third consecutive Euros was underwhelming.

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In the ninth minute, they had their first opportunity of the match when Roland Sallai fired over the bar after Attila Fiola squared the ball to him. Three minutes later, Aebischer found Duah, who struck a shot into the bottom corner to give the Swiss the lead. A video assistant review confirmed the goal.

Soon after, Ruben Vargas capitalized on a careless back pass to attempt a second goal, but Hungarian goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi blocked it. Hungary kept unable to clear the ball, and Aebischer’s goal just before halftime put the score at two when he shot past the goalkeeper.

After taking the lead, Hungary, who made it to the round of 16 in 2016 and lost in the group stage of Euro 2020, had a brief spurt but the Swiss were able to maintain composure. Xhaka and Ndoye had good opportunities late on before Embolo calmly lifted the ball over the keeper to make it three.