MARSEILLE: Fabian Schaer scored an early goal to give Switzerland a 1-0 lead at halftime over Albania in the second Group A match of the European Championship.

Schaer jumped to meet a corner by Xherdan Shaqiri and headed home in the fourth minute. Albania goalkeeper Etrit Berisha had left his goal to intercept the ball but was too late.

It was Schaer's sixth goal in 21 matches for Switzerland.

Albania lost captain Lorik Cana in the 37th minute when the defender was sent off after picking up a second yellow card at Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Lens. Cana handled the ball, 14 minutes after being punished by referee Carlos Velasco Carballo for a late tackle on Blerim Dzemaili.

Switzerland dominated the opening exchanges with early pressing and made Albania pay for its shaky start in their maiden match at a major tournament.

Euro 2016 host France opened Group A by defeating Romania 2-1 on Friday.