Borussia Dortmund internationals: Manuel Akanji and Switzerland held to draw in Euro 2020 opener

Switzerland and Manuel Akanji were made to rue missed chances, as they could only manage a 1-1 draw in their Euro 2020 group stage opener against Wales.

Switzerland began their Euro 2020 campaign on Saturday afternoon, as they took on Wales in Baku. Borussia Dortmund defender Manuel Akanji started in the back three for Vladimir Petkovic’s side.

Switzerland began the game on the front foot and created the better chances. But they weren’t able to make their dominance count in the first half, and the two sides went into the break all square. Switzerland finally managed to break the deadlock early in the second half, with Borussia Mönchengladbach forward Breel Embolo heading home Xherdan Shaqiri’s corner in the 49th minute.

Wales were far from their best but managed to claw their way back into the game, with Kieffer Moore scoring the equaliser in the 74th minute after being left in acres of space inside the box.

Switzerland pressed forward again as they looked to find a winner, with Embolo pulling all the strings. Substitute Mario Gavranovic had a goal ruled out for offside by VAR, while Wales goalkeeper Danny Ward made a couple of impressive late saves to keep his team level. In the end, Switzerland had to settle for a draw in their Group A opener.

The result leaves Switzerland two points behind Group A leaders Italy, who earned a dominant 3-0 win over Turkey in the Euro 2020 opener on Friday. Switzerland return to action on Wednesday, as they take on Italy in Rome.