Switzerland beats Bosnia 4-1; Xhaka scores penalty, silences critics
On June 18-19, 2026, Switzerland defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1 in a World Cup group stage match. Granit Xhaka scored a stoppage-time penalty, becoming the second Swiss player to score in three World Cups. After the goal, he made a provocative gesture interpreted as telling critics to “shut up.” The win marked Switzerland’s first-ever World Cup penalties after 41 matches without one, with two penalties awarded in this tournament.
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Xhaka Provokes Again with Gesture After Penalty Goal at 2026 World Cup
Swiss captain Granit Xhaka scored a stoppage-time penalty in a 4-1 World Cup win against Bosnia-Herzegovina and celebrated with a provocative hand gesture, repeatedly opening and closing his right hand as if to say 'let them talk.' The gesture was widely seen as a response to a controversial report by Swiss tabloid Blick, which claimed several national team players were unsettled by Xhaka's critical remarks after a 1-1 draw with Qatar. Xhaka had publicly criticized team discipline, leading to reports of unrest and quotes about 'too much negativity' and a 'toxic direction.' After the match, Xhaka told MagentaTV that he needs provocations and outside opinions, adding that after 148 caps, people should be proud to have such a player. This is not his first controversial celebration; at the 2018 World Cup, he made the double-headed eagle gesture after scoring against Serbia, referencing his Kosovo-Albanian roots.
Nachrichten - WELTGranit Xhaka Reveals Meaning Behind His Celebration Gesture After World Cup Match
Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka has opened up about the criticism he received following his celebration gesture during a World Cup match against Bosnia. In an interview with MagentaTV, Xhaka stated, 'I need the provocations,' explaining that the gesture was intentional and part of his competitive nature. The article, published by Bild Sport on June 18, 2026, highlights Xhaka's response to the backlash, emphasizing his view that provocations fuel his performance. The specific details of the gesture and the match context are not fully elaborated in the provided text, but the core event is Xhaka addressing the controversy.
BILD - SportXhaka Silences Critics with Penalty Goal and Mysterious Gesture in World Cup Win
Swiss national team captain Granit Xhaka scored a penalty goal in a 4-1 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After converting the spot kick, the 33-year-old midfielder directed a provocative gesture at his critics, repeatedly opening and closing his right hand in a motion interpreted as telling them to 'shut up.' The celebration was widely noted as a statement from the veteran player, who has often faced scrutiny throughout his career. The match took place on June 18, 2026, and the gesture sparked discussion about Xhaka's ongoing rivalry with his detractors.
Nachrichten - WELTXhaka Silences Critics with Penalty Goal and Mysterious Gesture in World Cup Win
Swiss national team captain Granit Xhaka scored a penalty goal in a 4-1 victory against Bosnia-Herzegovina during the 2026 World Cup. After converting the spot kick, Xhaka celebrated with expressive gestures, including a mysterious gesture widely interpreted as a message to his critics. The celebration, captured on video, shows Xhaka making a statement that appears to tell his detractors to 'shut up.' The match took place on June 18, 2026, and the article highlights the emotional and defiant nature of the captain's response to ongoing criticism.
Nachrichten - WELTXhaka: We Showed Resilience, an Important Victory
In a World Cup group stage match on June 19, Switzerland defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1. Granit Xhaka scored a penalty during the game. After the match, Xhaka took to social media (Instagram) to share match photos and express his thoughts. He wrote that the team showed resilience and achieved a crucial victory, emphasizing that this is the direction they are heading and that they are fighting side by side. The report originates from Hupu soccer, a Chinese sports news platform, and cites Instagram as the source of the player's comments.
虎扑 - 足球Xhaka Becomes Second Swiss Player to Score in Three World Cups After Shaqiri
In a World Cup group stage match on June 19, Switzerland defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1. Granit Xhaka scored a penalty in stoppage time, becoming the second Swiss player to score in three different World Cups, following Xherdan Shaqiri who achieved the feat in 2014, 2018, and 2022. The report, sourced from Hupu Football News, highlights Xhaka's milestone achievement in international football.
虎扑 - 足球Switzerland Earns First Penalties in World Cup History After 41 Matches
In a World Cup group stage match on June 19, Switzerland defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1. During stoppage time, Switzerland won a penalty, which was converted by Granit Xhaka. According to statistical data, Switzerland had never been awarded a penalty in their first 41 World Cup matches in history. However, in this edition of the tournament, they have already earned two penalties, both successfully converted by Breel Embolo and Granit Xhaka respectively. This marks a notable statistical anomaly for the Swiss national team in World Cup competition.
虎扑 - 足球