Thanks to Breel Embolo’s goal in stoppage time, Switzerland drowned out Hungary’s threat of reaction and debuted on Saturday with a 3-1 victory in the European Championship.
Goals from Kwadwo Duah and Michel Aebischer, both unexpected starters, left Switzerland in control at halftime, but Barnabas Varga’s header revived the Hungarians in the 66th minute.
Embolo secured the victory by scoring in stoppage time by lifting the ball over the goalkeeper.
The Cameroon-born attacker had not played for the national team for 18 months due to a series of injuries — the worst a torn cruciate ligament. He became a spectator with his club Monaco, slowing the momentum after scoring two goals in the 2022 World Cup.
The occasion came out of nowhere. A Hungarian defender lost a ball and Embolo did not forgive with a masterful finish.
“He experienced a very uncertain situation, first with a very serious injury, and then another injury. We did not lose faith,” Switzerland coach Murat Yakin said of Embolo.
Embolo was not able to train with the national team prior to the Euro and did not play in the two friendly matches.
But captain Granit Xhaka indicated that Embolo “is a vital player for our team on and off the field.”
Without breaking a sweat, Switzerland overwhelmed Hungary and showed success to take the lead in the first half: a couple of goals after three shots on goal.
Yakin surprised with his starting eleven with forward Duah and midfielder Aebischer as starters. The bet paid dividends with goals from both.
Duah, in only his second game for Switzerland, made the first with a low shot that beat goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi after a filtered pass from Aebischer.
Aebischer made it 2-0 just before the break, dodging Attila Fiola to find space on the edge of the area and beat the Hungarian goalkeeper.
Varga’s header from Dominik Szoboszlai’s cross caused Hungarian fans to set off flares. Hungary kept Switzerland under pressure but could not find a second goal.
Switzerland is second in Group A after host nation Germany beat Scotland 5-1 on Friday in the tournament’s first match. Hungary suffered its first defeat in an official match since September 2022.
