ANKARA (AA) – Switzerland won by the narrowest of margins against Albania in the two sides’ Euro 2016 Group A match at Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Lens Agglo on Saturday.
Switzerland took an early lead as defender Fabian Schar found the net in the fifth minute with a header. Schar was assisted by winger Xherdan Shaqiri.
Albania captain Lorik Cana collected a second yellow card and was sent off in 36th minute after committing a handball outside the box.
Switzerland looked for a second goal to secure their win in the second half but Albania goalkeeper Etrit Berisha produced a number of saves.
In the 87th minute Albania came close to an equalizer but forward Shkelzen Gashi wasted a one-on-one chance as his shot was saved by Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer.
Switzerland were forced to work hard by 10-man Albania but managed to hang on for victory thanks to Schar's early goal.
The match also saw an international clash for one family as Albanian midfielder Taulant Xhaka played against his brother, Swiss midfielder Granit.
- Group A standings:
Teams | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | +/- | Pts |
France | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
Switzerland | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
Romania | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 0 |
Albania | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |