Fabien Schaer's powerful header gave Switzerland a narrow 1-0 win over 10-man Albania as Wales battled for a historic 2-1 win against Slovakia on the second day of the European Championship finals on Saturday.
The final match of the day - England v Russia, was equally breathtaking and ended with a share of the spoils.
Here are our Top 5 moments of the day:
5. CANA RED
Albania captain Lorik Cana became the first player to get a red card at the European Championships against Switzerland. Cana was on the edge of the penalty area when he fell and first headed the ball in an attempted clearance and then pushed it away with his hands. Despite Albanian protests, referee Carlos Velasco Carballo did not hesitate to produce a red card after Cana had picked up an earlier booking in the 23rd minute for a foul. Albania went on to lose 1-0 and their captain will miss the next Group A match against France.
4. SUPERB SOMMER SAVE
With the clock ticking Albania had a rare opportunity to level matters through Gashi on 87 minutes but Swiss keeper Yann Sommer was equal to the task with a brilliant save. Sommer made a crucial, decisive stop to deny the Albania substitute, who had time and space to beat Sommer but the Swiss No 1 produced another outstanding save.
3. ROBSON-KANU WINNER
Brilliant balance from Wales' Aaron Ramsey, who took just one touch to hold off the Slovakia defence and slid the ball to Hal Robson-Kanu, whose mis-hit shot bounces in. Not the prettiest goal the forward has scored, but certainly the most important on the international stage
2. DEADLY DIER
Another contender for goal of the tournament. Eric Dier with a smashing free-kick goal to put England ahead and they appeared well on their way to a famous victory. What a moment for the young defensive midfielder whose first England goal was a last-minute winner against Germany in March.
Well, the Russians were not finished as they fought back for a late equaliser. Nothing in comparison to Dier’s cracking goal though.
1. BALE CRACKER
Bale cracker, Bale stunner, Bale bullet, Bale rocket…. This too will no doubt go into contention for goal of the tournament. After almost unwittingly granting Slovakia an early lead, Gareth Bale fired a cracker of a free-kick from 30 yards to put the Welsh in the pound seat. Not only a spectacular effort, but Wales' first ever goal at the Euro Championships. Bale deceived goalkeeper Matus Kozacik with a wickedly swerving shot from 30 yards out to put Wales ahead in their first major tournament appearance since the 1958 World Cup. Another personal accolade for Bale, who scored his first-ever goal for Wales against the same Slovakia in 2006, also from the free-kick spot. That goal as well as substitute Hal Robson-Kanu's 81st minute goal handed Wales a 2-1 win.
This is dummy text. It is not meant to be read. Accordingly, it is difficult to figure out when to end it. But then, this is dummy text. It is not meant to be read. Period.
ConversionConversion EmoticonEmoticon