Switzerland beat competition debutants Albania 1-0 to get their Euro 2016 Group A campaign off to an unconvincing but winning start in Lens.

The Swiss were in front after just five minutes.

Fabian Schar made the most of a goalkeeping blunder by Etrit Berisha to nod home into an empty net following an excellent corner from Xherdan Shaqiri.

Shaqiri has now had a hand in nine goals from his last eight competitive games for Switzerland (4 goals, 5 assists).

Lorik Cana received a second yellow on 36 minutes for a handball just outside the box which sent the Albania skipper for an early shower and left his side at ten men.

Blerim Dzemaili nearly took advantage from the resulting free kick but his curling effort was met by the upright.

Albania had a few decent chances of their own but Swiss keeper Yann Sommer was alway up to the task to keep his team in front heading into the break.

Albania scored only seven goals in qualifying for the tournament in France and that poor form in front of goal was highlighted further in Lens – although they did remain a threat and kept Switzerland on their densive toes on occasion.

As the game reached the hour mark it had become more and more sloppy with a number of missed passes and wayward challenges from both sides.

Haris Seferović should have put Switzerland 2-0 up on 66 minutes when he was played through on goal with only Berisha to beat, but the Albania shot-stopper spread himself well to get his boot in the way.

That missed opportunity nearly came back to bite the Swiss ten minutes later when Elseid Hysaj squared his pass to Armando Sadiku at the right post but the Albania striker’s poorly executed shot fired into the side netting from eight yards out.

Albania had their best chance of the match to get on the scoreboard on 87 minutes when Shkëlzen Gashi caught the Swiss defence napping and found himself goal-bound with only Sommer in his way.

But Sommer was out quickly and superbly got a hand to the powerful shot, sending the ball over the crossbar.

It turned out to be a very underwhelming performance from Switzerland and an impressive one by Albania, but Vladimir Petković‘s men managed to hold on to take the win.

Coming up later today

Wales v Slovakia 18:00 CET (Group B)
England v Russia 21:00 CET (Group B)

SOURCE: euronews