Switzerland got off to a successful start at the 2016 European Championship, recording a narrow and hard-fought 1-0 victory over Albania. 33,805 spectators in Lens saw the Swiss create early pressure and take the lead through TSG Hoffenheim's Fabian Schär after just five minutes. Albania's skipper Lorik Cana was sent off after 37 minutes following his second bookable offence.
EURO debutants Albania still managed to cause problems for Switzerland but in the end the team of head coach Vladimir Petkovic prevailed and they now join France at the top of the standings in Group A, after the hosts beat Romania 2-1 on Friday night in the opening game of the tournament.
England throw away victory late on
England impressed for much of their EURO 2016 opener, but a late goal cost them victory against Russia. However, the 1-1 draw still leaves them with plenty of hope of progressing to the last 16.
Russia never really got into fifth gear, and it was the Three Lions’ failure to take chances that allowed the underdogs to snatch a point. England were dominant in the first half, but it wasn’t until a 73rd-minute Eric Dier free kick that they took the lead. However, Berezutski’s stoppage-time header ensured a share of the spoils.
Wales win battle of the debutants
Superstar Gareth Bale put Wales on the path to their first ever European Championship victory. The world’s most expensive transfer opened the scoring against Slovakia after just ten minutes from a free kick, but the €100 million man’s goal was cancelled out by Ondrej Duda around the hour mark.
But it was Hal Robson-Kanu who came off the bench to fire Wales to an historic victory nine minutes from time. Chris Coleman’s side now lead the way in Group B, with England and Russia level on one point behind them, and Slovakia trailing in fourth.