France’s crisis room ready for Euro 2016

This was a contest billed as “special” by Shaqiri due to links between the nations that gave it a strong feel of kinship, the sense crystallised by Switzerland (and Arsenal’s) Granit Xhaka facing his elder sibling Taulant, who lined up in Albania’s midfield.

While being place in the same group as Albania generated plenty of excitement due to the number of players in both squads having dual nationality, the presence of France in Group A will bring back painful memories for the Swiss.

Xherdan Shaqiri may be regarded as Switzerland’s key player, but the midfielder believes only a team approach can help them beat Albania in their opening Euro 2016 Group A game tomorrow.

Switzerland were off to the better start as a sweet strike from Shaqiri whips in the corner, and is headed in by Hoffenheim defender Schar (9′).

Both are of Albanian heritage and were born in Basel but Granit will line up for Switzerland and older brother Taulant, provided he recovers from a thigh injury, for their opponents.

Albania versus Switzerland is no ordinary game.

Albania lost their captain Lorik Cana for a second bookable offence nine minutes before half-time.

None of this bothers the Xhakas’ parents who in the space of three days past year watched Switzerland qualify for the European Championship with a victory over San Marino and then Albania win away to Armenia to book their place.

Taulant Xhaka recovered in time from a leg injury to feature in Albania’s first ever appearance at a major tournament.

Switzerland travel to Paris on Wednesday to face Romania knowing another victory will guarantee their passage to the knockout stages for the first time after three failed attempts.

“We conceded this insane first goal which takes your breath away”, said Albania coach Gianni de Biasi. “After that, we played too much backward and allowed them back into the game”.

Switzerland scored seven goals from corners in the qualifying campaign (29 per cent of their total goals), more than any other side.

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.

Then, with three minutes left, came the best chance of all but Shkëlzen Gashi, with time and space, could not find a way past Sommer.