Albania 0-1 Switzerland: Schar nets winner

New Arsenal signing Granit Xhaka was the standout performer, bettering his opposing brother, as Switzerland moved level on points with France in Group A. 

Fabian Schar's fifth-minute header proved decisive as the swiss edged out 10-man Albania 1-0 in their Euro 2016 opener at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis on Saturday. 

Albania goalkeeper Etrit Berisha ventured off his line to try and claim Xherdan Shaqiri's corner but was beaten to the delivery by Schar, who got Switzerland's Group A campaign off to a winning start. 

Albania's task was made all the more difficult by the dismissal of captain Lorik Cana, earning his 91st cap. 

The defender received a second booking for a handball on the edge of his own box, and the right-hand post stopped Blerim Dzemaili compounding their misery from the ensuing set-piece. 

Despite being a man light Albania pressed for an equaliser, while Berisha tried to make amends for his costly error by making a string of saves from Seferovic. 

There was to be no addition to the scoreline, however, Albania substitute Shkelzen Gashi wasting a glorious opening in the 87th minute with defeat putting pressure on the Eagles to get a result in their next match against hosts France in Marseille.