Switzerland beat Hungary 3-1 with wins for Spain and Italy at 2024 Euros

Switzerland have got their 2024 Euros bid off to a strong start with a 3-1 win against Hungary in Cologne. 

Breel Embolo ran, arms spread wide in celebration, after his goal meant victory for the Swiss side and a triumphant personal comeback.

Embolo had not played for Switzerland in 18 months as a succession of injuries left him an observer of his club Monaco and of his national team. They robbed the momentum of a player who scored two goals in four games at the last World Cup.

It was all in the past as Embolo scored in added time to complete Switzerland's 3-1 win over Hungary in both teams' first game of the European Championship.

The chance came out of nowhere — a Hungary defender gave away the ball — but Embolo's lobbed finish over the goalkeeper made it seem like he hadn't missed a moment.

"It was a very uncertain situation after the very serious, long injury and another injury after that. We had hope," Swiss coach Murat Yakin said.

Embolo hadn't been able to train with the team for much of the pre-tournament camp and didn't play in two friendlies. But captain Granit Xhaka said Embolo was "a very, very important player for our team, both on the field and off the field."

Switzerland led 2-0 but was in danger of letting it slip as Hungary burst into life midway through the second half.

A tactical surprise paid off as Switzerland coach Murat Yakin picked forward Kwadwo Duah and midfielder Michel Aebischer in his starting lineup and they both scored.

Duah opened the scoring in just his second game for Switzerland, shooting low past goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi off a pass from Aebischer. The offside flag went up but a long video review confirmed the goal and the delighted Duah was surrounded by the Swiss bench players.

Aebischer made