EURO 2024: Switzerland keen on DFB-Elf: “We want to annoy the Germans”

Dream goalscorer Xherdan Shaqiri had a mischievous smile on his face as he sent a little challenge to the European Championship hosts, who had already qualified for the round of 16, before the duel for group victory against Germany.

“We’re facing a different caliber of opponents with this super offense and the euphoria. But we’re going into the game with confidence and we’re all looking forward to it. We want to annoy the Germans, of course, that’s clear,” said the celebrated Swiss equalizer scorer after the 1:1 (1:1) draw against Scotland, looking ahead to the prestige duel on Sunday in Frankfurt.

Switzerland practically already further

Thanks to the draw in Cologne, which Shaqiri secured with a brilliant direct shot from almost 20 meters into the corner, the Swiss can almost certainly plan for the knockout round. “We’re not quite through yet, but only a small step away,” Swiss coach Murat Yakin aptly described the table constellation in Group A and promised the fans: “We will definitely qualify.”

Even a draw against the DFB selection is enough to advance. Even if they lose, second place would only be in danger if Scotland beat Hungary and ultimately made up the goal difference, which is currently six goals worse than the Swiss. Should this unlikely eventuality actually occur, the Swiss could still advance to the round of 16 as one of the four best third-placed teams in the group. The four points they have collected so far have always been enough for this in previous tournaments.

Looking forward to the Germany game

But the Swiss are not concerned with such nervous scenarios. On the contrary: They want to pull off a coup against their big neighbor Germany. “We are not under the pressure of having to win. It will be an open and interesting game,” predicted Yakin.

The team of national coach Julian Nagelsmann is the favorite, which suits the Swiss. “We know the team, there is a lot of quality to face,” said goalkeeper Yann Sommer. “They are a good opponent, very strong in terms of playing. We will prepare well and be ready.”

Shaqiri goal delights everyone

The Swiss have great confidence in their own abilities and also have a lot of individual quality in their squad. The best example is Shaqiri, who was praised a lot after his stroke of genius against Scotland. “That was a special moment. It was an excellent and beautiful goal with which Shaq helped the team,” said Yakin.

Defender Manuel Akanji, who was named the best player of the match, was amazed by his teammate’s action: “I don’t know how many of our team could score that goal like that. But he has the confidence to shoot from that position.”

Goalkeeper Sommer admitted that he did not think Shaqiri was capable of the trick shot. “At first I thought: Why are you shooting? Please don’t. But it’s Shaq.” And even Scotland coach Steve Clarke gave the 32-year-old attacker the recognition he deserved. “If it had been another player than Shaqiri, it wouldn’t have been a goal. That says everything about his class,” said Clarke about the professional, who has been earning his money in Major League Soccer with Chicago Fire for more than two years.

Record as an encore

With his dream goal, Shaqiri became the first European professional to score a goal in all six major football tournaments since the 2014 World Cup. Not even Portugal’s superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has managed this feat so far, but he can still do the same during the European Championship.

“It’s very special. I’m proud of it,” said Shaqiri about the record, adding: “It’s always a great feeling when I score a goal for my country.” The former Bundesliga professional from FC Bayern Munich wants to enjoy that again against Germany. Even though he knows: “It will be a real tough test for us.”