Switzerland Captain Xhaka Previews World Cup Quarterfinal Against Argentina
Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka spoke ahead of the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal against Argentina, expressing pride in reaching this stage for the first time in 72 years. He volunteered for the first penalty in the round of 16 shootout win over Colombia. Xhaka praised Lionel Messi as one of the greatest players but insisted Switzerland will compete fiercely. He dismissed criticism about jersey swapping, emphasized a new team mentality, and called the match a career highlight.
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Xhaka: World Cup Journey Ends After Switzerland's Quarterfinal Loss to Argentina
Following Switzerland's 1-3 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup quarterfinal on July 12, Swiss captain Granit Xhaka took to social media to express his emotions. In an Instagram post, Xhaka acknowledged that things did not go as hoped, but emphasized that the team fought with all their might until the very last moment and left their passion on the pitch. He stated that the World Cup journey ends there, but no one can erase what they achieved together, calling it history. Xhaka thanked everyone who believed in and supported the team throughout the tournament. The post reflects a mix of disappointment and pride in the team's performance and accomplishments.
虎扑 - 足球Granit Xhaka Addresses Fans After Switzerland's Quarterfinal Exit Against Argentina
Following Switzerland's dramatic and bitter quarterfinal elimination by Argentina, captain Granit Xhaka took to Instagram to address fans. The emotional leader of the Swiss national team (Nati) shared heartfelt words, acknowledging the shattered semifinal dream but drawing a proud conclusion from the team's performance. The post reflects Xhaka's role as the team's emotional anchor and his gratitude toward supporters despite the painful loss.
kicker Fußball NewsSwiss Captain Xhaka: Red Card Changed the Game, Painful to Lose on One Decision
Switzerland lost 1-3 to defending champions Argentina in extra time in the World Cup quarterfinals. After the match, Swiss captain Granit Xhaka spoke to media, bluntly stating that a red card decision completely changed the game and disrupted their pre-match plan. Xhaka expressed confusion over VAR intervention for a decision he felt would not normally warrant review outside the World Cup. Despite the loss, he expressed deep pride in the team's strong mentality, fighting spirit, and overall performance. He noted that the locker room was quiet and players were disappointed, with Embolo in tears. Xhaka also commented that Argentina is a 'minimalist' team skilled at winning with minimal effort. He acknowledged the team can be proud of matching Switzerland's best-ever World Cup result and indicated he would rest before preparing for future challenges.
虎扑 - 足球Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka: Every time I reach a new height, the feeling is different; we want to take the next step
Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka held a press conference ahead of the 2026 World Cup quarter-final against Argentina. He described the match as one of the biggest moments of his career, noting that Switzerland has not reached this stage in 72 years. Xhaka recalled the 2014 World Cup defeat to Argentina, where Switzerland lost in the final moments, and emphasized that the current team has a new mindset and generation. He praised teammate Ricardo Rodriguez, with whom he has played since the U17 level. Xhaka discussed his role in controlling the game's tempo and acknowledged the quality of Argentina's midfielders, whom he knows from the Premier League. He dismissed former Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann's disrespectful comment that Swiss players only wanted to swap shirts with Lionel Messi, stating the team focuses on performance. Xhaka expressed pride in the team's journey and urged fans to dream, while stressing the need for hard work and unity to defeat the world champions.
虎扑 - 足球Xhaka: Messi Deserves Respect, But We Must Give Our All on the Pitch
Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka spoke to Argentine media TyC ahead of the World Cup quarter-final match between Argentina and Switzerland. Xhaka expressed great honor in facing Lionel Messi, calling him one of the greatest football players in history. He highlighted Messi's remarkable consistency and high-level performance even at his current age, performing excellently every three or four days. However, Xhaka emphasized that while they respect Messi off the pitch, on the pitch they must set that aside and focus on winning, as they are also there to compete. The match marks a rematch 12 years after they faced each other in 2014.
虎扑 - 足球Granit Xhaka: Switzerland can trouble Argentina in World Cup quarterfinal
Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka expressed confidence ahead of the World Cup quarterfinal against defending champions Argentina, stating his team can 'really trouble' them. In an interview with L'Équipe, Xhaka discussed stopping Lionel Messi by closing down spaces, adapting to heat conditions, and drawing inspiration from Argentina's 'Latin mentality' of fighting until the final whistle. He noted this match is a career highlight, 72 years after Switzerland's last quarterfinal, and emphasized a new generation and mentality in Swiss football. Xhaka dismissed criticism from Jens Lehmann about swapping jerseys with Messi, insisting only on-pitch performance matters. The match follows Switzerland's 2014 round-of-16 loss to Argentina (0-1 a.e.t.), but Xhaka stressed this is a different game with a different team.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuXhaka: It is an honor to play against Messi in his era
Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka spoke ahead of the World Cup quarter-final match against Argentina. He expressed deep respect for Lionel Messi, calling it an honor to play against one of the greatest players of all time and to be part of his era. Xhaka acknowledged the difficulty of stopping Messi for 90 or even 120 minutes but emphasized that Switzerland will show their character and make the match extremely difficult for Argentina. The article, sourced from Hupu Football, captures Xhaka's balanced tone of admiration and competitive determination.
虎扑 - 足球Xhaka: I Volunteered for First Penalty; We Will Enjoy Playing Argentina
Switzerland defeated Colombia in a World Cup penalty shootout to reach the quarterfinals for the first time in 72 years. Captain Granit Xhaka revealed he volunteered to take the first penalty instead of his scheduled third, citing captain's responsibility. He praised the team's mix of youth and experience, emphasizing belief that a small nation can achieve anything. Looking ahead to the quarterfinal against Argentina led by Lionel Messi, Xhaka called it a 'beautiful reward' and a 'huge obstacle,' but said the team's desire to win is stronger than ever. He noted the World Cup has seen many upsets and Switzerland has only completed its first goal.
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