UEFA Euro 2024, Switzerland emerged victorious over Hungary with a 3-1 win. The match, held at the Cologne Stadium on Saturday, June 15, 2024, showcased the tactical prowess of Murat Yakin’s Swiss side as they capitalized on Hungarian errors to secure the victory. This comprehensive match report delves into the key moments, player performances, and tactical nuances that defined the encounter.
Early Dominance by Switzerland
The game kicked off with high intensity from both sides, but it was Switzerland who seized control early on. By the 12th minute, the Swiss had already found the back of the net. Kwadwo Duah, displaying remarkable composure, finished off a brilliant through ball from Michel Aebischer with a precise shot that beat Hungary’s goalkeeper, Peter Gulacsi. Although the assistant referee initially flagged for offside, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) intervened to confirm the goal was legitimate, giving Switzerland a 1-0 lead. Jerman vs Skotlandia - Dominant 5-1 Victory Puts Germany at the Top of Group A
Swiss Attack Continues to Threaten
Switzerland continued to press forward, almost doubling their advantage in the 20th minute. A defensive blunder by Milos Kerkez presented Ruben Vargas with a golden opportunity. Vargas, in a one-on-one situation with Gulacsi, unleashed a powerful shot only for it to be deflected by the veteran goalkeeper’s shoulder, denying Switzerland a second goal.
Hungary’s Response
Hungary, determined not to be overshadowed, began to find their footing as the first half progressed. A well-executed indirect free-kick by Dominik Szoboszlai in the 40th minute found the head of Willi Orban, but his attempt was comfortably saved by Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer. Despite Hungary’s efforts, it was Switzerland who struck again just before halftime.
Swiss Double Their Lead
In the 45th minute, Switzerland launched a swift counter-attack from the right flank. The move culminated in Michel Aebischer receiving the ball at the edge of the penalty area. Aebischer’s curling shot into the top right corner left Gulacsi with no chance, extending Switzerland’s lead to 2-0 as the teams headed into the break.
Second Half: Continued Swiss Pressure
The second half began much like the first, with Switzerland maintaining their offensive momentum. Duah almost scored his second goal of the match in the 48th minute, but Gulacsi was once again up to the task, making a crucial save. Six minutes later, Gulacsi thwarted another Swiss effort, this time from Ruben Vargas.
Hungary’s Fightback
Despite being under constant pressure, Hungary showed resilience and began creating chances of their own. In the 63rd minute, Barnabas Varga connected with a cross from Roland Sallai, only for his header to narrowly miss the target. However, Hungary’s persistence paid off three minutes later.
Hungary Pull One Back
In the 66th minute, Dominik Szoboszlai delivered an impeccable cross that Barnabas Varga met with a powerful header. This time, Varga made no mistake, directing the ball into the bottom right corner of the Swiss net, beyond Sommer’s reach. The goal rejuvenated Hungary’s spirits, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
Swiss Seal the Victory
As the match approached its conclusion, Hungary pushed forward in search of an equalizer but left themselves vulnerable at the back. In the third minute of stoppage time, a defensive mishap by Willi Orban, who inadvertently headed the ball towards Breel Embolo, gifted Switzerland a prime scoring opportunity. Embolo, standing unmarked in front of goal, calmly lobbed the ball over the advancing Gulacsi to seal a 3-1 victory for Switzerland.
Impact on Group A Standings
This win propelled Switzerland to second place in Group A with three points. Meanwhile, Hungary found themselves in third place with zero points but with a better goal difference compared to Scotland, who suffered a heavy 1-5 defeat against Germany, the group leaders.
Player Performances and Tactical Analysis
Switzerland
- Yann Sommer: The experienced goalkeeper displayed confidence and made crucial saves to keep Switzerland in control.
- Manuel Akanji and Fabian Schär: The central defensive pairing was solid, effectively neutralizing Hungary’s attacking threats.
- Granit Xhaka: The captain orchestrated the midfield, combining defensive duties with creating forward momentum.
- Michel Aebischer: His vision and precise passing were instrumental in Switzerland’s attacking plays, highlighted by his goal.
- Kwadwo Duah: A constant threat in the final third, Duah’s movement and finishing were key to Switzerland’s early dominance.
- Hungary
- Peter Gulacsi: Despite conceding three goals, Gulacsi made several crucial saves that prevented a more lopsided scoreline.
- Dominik Szoboszlai: Hungary’s creative spark, Szoboszlai’s set-pieces and crossing were the main sources of danger.
- Barnabas Varga: His goal was a testament to his aerial ability and positioning, providing a glimmer of hope for Hungary.
- Willi Orban: A mixed performance with solid defensive work but marred by the late error leading to Switzerland’s third goal.
Tactical Insights
Murat Yakin’s strategy involved a high pressing game combined with quick transitions. Switzerland’s ability to exploit spaces left by Hungary’s defense was evident in their attacking play. The use of wing-backs allowed Switzerland to stretch the play, providing width and creating opportunities from the flanks.
On the other hand, Marco Rossi’s Hungary relied heavily on set-pieces and counter-attacks. While their defensive organization was generally solid, individual errors proved costly. Rossi’s substitution decisions aimed at injecting fresh legs into the midfield and attack were effective in stages but ultimately fell short against a disciplined Swiss side.
The match between Hungary and Switzerland was a testament to the excitement and unpredictability of football. Switzerland’s clinical finishing and tactical discipline outshone Hungary’s spirited fightback. As the Euro 2024 progresses, both teams will reflect on this encounter, with Switzerland looking to build on their momentum and Hungary aiming to bounce back stronger in their upcoming fixtures.
Detailed Breakdown of the Match
First Half
- 1’ - 10’: The match began with both teams probing each other’s defenses. Switzerland looked more composed in possession, gradually establishing their rhythm.
- 12’ - Goal by Kwadwo Duah: Michel Aebischer’s incisive pass split the Hungarian defense, allowing Duah to score. The VAR review added to the drama, confirming the goal.
- 15’ - 20’: Switzerland continued to dominate, with Vargas coming close to adding a second. Hungary struggled to deal with Switzerland’s pace and movement.
- 30’ - 40’: Hungary started to see more of the ball, but their attacks lacked penetration. Szoboszlai’s free-kick and Orban’s header marked their best chance of the half.
- 45’ - Goal by Michel Aebischer: A well-worked attack from the right saw Aebischer finish with a curling shot, doubling Switzerland’s lead.
- Second Half
- 46’ - 60’: Switzerland maintained their pressure, with Duah and Vargas both testing Gulacsi. Hungary’s defense appeared vulnerable under sustained Swiss attacks.
- 63’ - Hungary’s Close Chance: Barnabas Varga’s header from Sallai’s cross narrowly missed, showing Hungary’s potential threat.
- 66’ - Goal by Barnabas Varga: Szoboszlai’s precise cross found Varga, who headed in to make it 2-1, giving Hungary hope.
- 70’ - 85’: Hungary pushed for an equalizer, but Switzerland’s defense held firm. Substitutions brought fresh energy but didn’t change the scoreline.
- 90+3’ - Goal by Breel Embolo: Orban’s misjudged header fell to Embolo, who lobbed Gulacsi to secure the 3-1 victory.
Future Prospects
Switzerland’s victory over Hungary was a result of effective tactics, clinical finishing, and solid defensive work. As they move forward in Euro 2024, they will aim to replicate this performance to advance from the group stages. Hungary, despite their loss, showed resilience and flashes of brilliance, particularly through Szoboszlai and Varga. They will need to rectify their defensive lapses and capitalize on their attacking opportunities in their upcoming matches to keep their hopes alive in the tournament.
This match serves as a reminder of the fine margins in football, where a single moment can change the course of a game. Switzerland’s ability to exploit these moments earned them a deserved win, while Hungary will look to learn and improve as the tournament progresses.
