Switzerland beat Albania 1-0 in their European Championship Group A clash Saturday marked by the sending off of Albania captain Lorik Cana.

Fabien Schaer scored the only goal with a powerful header in the fifth minute of the tetchy affair in Lens.

Switzerland were given a crucial advantage in the 36th minute when Cana was given a second yellow card for handball on the edge of the penalty area.

Switzerland now lead Group A with France on three points.