Switzerland must be more clinical in their remaining matches, coach Vladimir Petkovic said after his side were held to a 1-1 draw by Wales despite firing in twice as many shots as their opponents in their Euros opener on Saturday.
Breel Embolo headed in a corner to give the Swiss the lead in the 49th minute, but Switzerland squandered their numerous other chances before Wales striker Kieffer Moore headed in an equaliser in the 74th minute.
Switzerland, whose next match is against Group B favourites Italy in Rome on Wednesday, had 18 attempts in total, double the number that Wales managed.
“Over 75 minutes we did everything to get the victory but we weren’t clinical enough,” Petkovic said. “We didn’t take advantage of the chances we created.
“This is the European Championship. There are no teams which can be seen as an underdog. You have to show your qualities on the pitch and you have to deserve a victory.
“We aren’t happy about this draw obviously, but we take this one point and try to win more in our next matches.”
Roberto Mancini’s Italy, who beat Turkey 3-0 in the opening match of the tournament on Friday, are clear favourites to win Group B, but Switzerland still have a strong chance of qualifying for the knockout stages, Petkovic added.
“We knew from the start that it’s an even group,” the Swiss coach said. “We know we have to show the performance in the next two matches.
“It’s not that we lost here. We’re still in this group. Italy have to play Turkey and Wales, and we will try to get points against Italy.
“We aren’t going to stray too far away from our footballing philosophy, our style of play. We want to go out against Italy and play without fear. We don’t want to afford them too much space.”
Wales’ next game is against Turkey in Baku on Wednesday.
