Vargas starts EURO 2024 with a win

Switzerland 3-1 Hungary

FCA winger Ruben Vargas made a successful start to EURO 2024 yesterday, as he and his Switzerland teammates ran out 3-1 winners over Hungary in Cologne. Summer signing Nediljko Labrović was unable to manage the same success with Croatia.

The Swiss made a quick start in front of 43,000 expectant fans, and went in front on 12 minutes as Kwadwo Duah finished coolly past Peter Gulacsi. Vargas came close to doubling his side’s lead shortly afterwards, but on that occasion Gulacsi stood tall to prevent the Magyars falling two behind. Nevertheless, Switzerland did eventually break through again, with Michel Aebischer doubling their advantage on the stroke of half-time.

After the break, it was Hungary who started the stronger of the two teams, and pulled one back with 25 minutes to go through Barnabas Varga. The Swiss defence remained resilient amid an extended period of Hungarian pressure – even after substituting Vargas in the 74th minute. Breel Embolo’s stoppage-time goal ensured a Swiss victory.

Croatia swept aside by Spain

Nediljko Labrović did not enjoy such a happy start to his tournament. Remaining on the bench throughout Croatia’s opening game of the tournament, Labrović could only watch as first-choice stopper Dominik Livaković proved unable to prevent a comfortable 3-0 win for Spain.