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Xhaka's Tears: From Arsenal Boos to World Cup Glory
11 Jul
Summary
- Granit Xhaka led Switzerland to their first World Cup quarter-final since 1954.
- He transformed from an Arsenal outcast to a pivotal player for club and country.
- Xhaka's crucial penalty secured a vital group stage victory for Switzerland.
Switzerland reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1954 following a penalty shootout victory against Colombia. Midfielder Granit Xhaka, visibly emotional after the win, encapsulated the team's battling spirit against a hostile crowd.
This achievement also marked a personal redemption for Xhaka. Just seven years ago, he faced frustration and booing from Arsenal supporters due to his performances. After being stripped of the captaincy in 2019, he endured a challenging period.
However, under new management, Xhaka turned his fortunes around, earning back fan support with strong leadership and performances, even captaining Arsenal to FA Cup victory in 2020. A subsequent move to Bayer Leverkusen saw him achieve an unbeaten league and cup double.
Returning to the Premier League with Sunderland, Xhaka was instrumental in their surprising seventh-place finish, securing Europa League qualification. His influence has been compared to legendary signings, underscoring his impact.
Switzerland's progression has exceeded expectations. Xhaka's pivotal role includes scoring a crucial stoppage-time penalty against Bosnia-Herzegovina, becoming one of the few players to score in three World Cups. They now face a challenging match against Argentina, aiming to continue their historic tournament run.
