Euro 2016 Recap: Albania Vs Switzerland

Fulltime: Albania 0-1 Switzerland
Schar (SUI) 5'

It was a Euro 2016 game that was not without excitement. Some pundits have labelled it as some sort of derby, where players' ethnic background or their origins intersected. This match even featured siblings playing for opposite sides; a first in the history of the competition. This is Albania versus Switzerland!

A Lively Start

The match had a promising onset. Albania -playing in its first major tournament- sparred gamely with the opponents, ranked 27 places above them in the FIFA world rankings, in the early going. But, the pressure must have gotten to Their goalkeeper, Etrit Berisha in the 5th minute. He rushed out of his line to meet a corner from the Swiss captain, Xherdan Shaqiri. This mistake resulted in a Fabian Schar header that ended at the back of the net. Things got messier for the Eagles in the 36th when their captain, Lorik Cana, handled the ball outside the box and was given a second yellow card for his trouble.

Things weren't all negative for the Balkan outfit. They had their moments against the Swiss; even after going down to ten men. It was also a pleasure watching the Xhaka brothers have a go at each other. Granit Xhaka -who will join Arsenal next season- put on a good performance. While his older brother,  Taulant wasn't bad either.

Subdued Second Half

The second-half ushered a more passive style of football. With one-man up and a goal in front, there was no real desire from the Nati to move forward and attack. They just tried to break the Albanian defense patiently without any urgency. It could have been costly, because the other side took the game to them. The passion was there. But, the breaks just wouldn't fall on their boots. And, that was how it ended in Lens.

The Bad Tackle

If Switzerland is going to progress into the next round, they have got to start show more ambition. There were a lot of miscues in the second half that could have punished them, if it were played with a different opponent. Shaqiri was virtually anonymous after his corner that led to the lone goal. He needs to exercise more control. He has been inconsistent contributor in his club careeer. But, at this level and responsibility, he needs to increase his ante.

I never fancied Albania to spring any surprises at this tournament. But, they gave a good account of themselves in this match. I give them a nine for heart and passion. But sadly, it takes more than genuine eagerness to win matches at this level of competition.