Ten-man Albania fall to Swiss

Switzerland immediately took control of the game and took only 5 minutes to open the score when from a corner kick, Schar headed the ball inside the far post. Albania nearly got the equaliser on the 10th minute when Sommer misjudged a bouncing ball which he was able to recover. On the 27th minute, Albania tried again when from 12 yards out, Roshi sent a powerful shot into the stands. Albania kept gaining confidence and after 32 minutes they forced an excellent save from Sommer who used his right leg to save Sadiku’s shot.

After a good start, Switzerland struggled to keep possession and were put under pressure from the Albanian players. However, Albania`s problems increased when Cana picked his second yellow card and was sent off by the referee on the 37th minute. A minute later, Switzerland were close to double the score when Dzemali hit the post. The Genoa man was also close on the 42nd minute when his right foot shot nearly hit the upright.

Albania started the second half on the lookout for the equaliser. On the 51st minute, they had a huge chance when Sadiku was close to intercept Sommer. On the other side, Seferovic was denied by Berisha who parried his strong effort at goal. Berisha was decisive again on the 67th minute when for the second time he denied Seferovic who was released through on goal. 75th minute and Switzerland went close again to double the score when Embolo’s shot went high and wide of the right hand corner.

However, Albania never gave up and tried to exploit all the few space in the Swiss team. They nearly managed on the 75th minute when Sidiku`s shot hit the side netting. Big decisions from the Spanish official followed. First, Lenjani pretended a penalty when he was pushed by Lichsteiner. On the other side, Berisha seemed to have fouled Shaqiri inside the penalty area. The referee decided to play on in both occasions. Nonetheless, Albania’s greatest chance came 3 minutes before the end when Sommer saved the Swiss with a magnificent save to deny Gashi the equiliser to make sure that Switzerland take the 3 points.

Switzerland starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Sommer; Lichtsteiner, Djourou, Schar, Rodriguez; Behrami, G. Xhaka; Shaqiri, Dzemaili, Mehmedi; Seferovic.

Albania starting line-up (4-5-1): Berisha; Hysaj, Cana, Mavraj, Agolli; Roshi, T. Xhaka, Kukeli, Abrashi, Lenjani; Sadiku.

Yellow cards
Cana (Albania), Schar (Switzerland), Cana (Albania), Kace (Albania), Behrami (Switzerland), Kukeli (Albania).
Red card
Cana (Albania)
Referee
Carlos Velasco (Spain)