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Saturday, June 23, 2018

FIFA World Cup 2018: Swiss applaud win over Serbia but criticise celebrations



Switzerland's 2-1 World Cup win over Serbia was given a mixed reaction by Swiss media who applauded their rousing second-half comeback but criticised celebrations by scorers Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri which appeared to have political overtones.

After falling behind in the fifth minute, Switzerland defied a cauldron-like atmosphere created by fervent Serbian supporters as they hit back with a thunderbolt from Xhaka and a last-minute breakaway goal from Shaqiri.

Both players, who are ethnic Albanians and of Kosovar heritage, celebrated with a gesture which appeared to imitate the eagle displayed on Albania's flag.

Serbia refuses to recognise the independence of its former province Kosovo, whose 1.8 million people are mostly ethnic Albanians, which broke away 10 years ago.

Second-generation immigrants from the Balkans have played a huge part in transforming the Swiss national side over the past 10 years.

Players such as Valon Behrami -- playing at his fourth World Cup -- Xhaka and Shaqiri have brought both raw talent and passion to a team which was not noted for either in the past.

But their efforts on Friday got a mixed reaction from the Swiss media, which showered praise on their performance but criticised their celebrations.

"Xherdan Shaqiri and Granit Xhaka have talented feet like no one else in this national team. But their political sensitivity and social awareness let much to be desired," said the Neue Zuercher Zeitung (NZZ).

The tabloid Blick took a similar line. "Xhaka and Shaqiri played with real heart but forgot to keep cool heads when they celebrated, and that is the big flaw of this wonderfully stirring evening."

Xhaka and Shaqiri, both articulate and multi-lingual, wear their hearts on their sleeve and have never been shy about their heritage.

In 2012, Swiss television commentator Sascha Ruefer caused controversy with comments about an Xhaka miss during a World Cup qualifier against Albania, when Switzerland was already 2-0 ahead.

"What was that? All he needed was to push the ball home. I'd like to see that again . . . presumably, Xhaka was not unhappy at not having scored against Albania," he said.


This post is published on https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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