French favourites off to good start in U21-Euro
Title favourites France have got off to a good start at the European under-21 football championships in Switzerland, beating the Czechs 2-0.
The French sealed the score in Geneva before halftime, with the Czech defence failing to offer any real opposition on both occasions. Before scoring, France had a number of opportunities that it failed to conclude.
Sydney Gouvou took matters into his own hands in the 40th minute when he intercepted the ball at the centre of the field, before running off to beat the opposition goalie single-handedly. Five minutes later, his fellow striker, Peguy Luyindula, sliced through the Czech defence, shaking off four opponents before making a decisive pass to Olivier Sorlin.
In Lausanne, Belgium also made a successful start to the championships, with a 2-1 win over Greece. Koen Daerden opened the score in the 33rd minute, while Tom Soetaers guaranteed his team’s success with another goal shortly before full-time.
The Greeks managed to sneak in a goal during injury time to reduce the mark.
Switzerland, which plays in the other four-team group, takes on England in Zurich on Friday.
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