Second-half goals see Switzerland past Georgia

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:24 am

Switzerland survived a difficult first half and overcame the absence of forwards Xherdan Shaqiri and Haris Seferovic as they won 2-0 in Georgia in their opening Euro 2020 qualifier on Saturday.

Second-half goals from Steven Zuber and Denis Zakaria ended Georgia's unbeaten eight-match home run as the Swiss ended up comfortable winners in the Group D match.

Switzerland, playing their first match since a stunning 5-2 Nations League win over Belgium in November, struggled to create chances in the first half.

Switzerland celebrate Denis Zakaria's clinching goal after 80 minutes.
Ennio Leanza/Keystone via AP

They were lucky not to fall behind just before the break when Georgia worked the ball to Valeri Qazaishvili in an excellent position but the San Jose Earthquakes midfielder shot straight at Yann Sommer.

The second half was a different story as the Swiss took control and went in front in the 57th minute when Breel Embolo laid the ball off to Zuber, who shot into the corner.

Embolo nearly added another from a similar position three minutes later as the Georgian defence was again opened up.

Another break in the 80th minute ended with substitute Albian Ajeti's shot being blocked by goalkeeper Giorgi Loria, but Zakaria slotted home the rebound.