Switzerland ‘can beat anyone’ at World Cup, says Xhaka

Friday, 25 November 2022 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Granit Xhaka

DOHA, AFP: Granit Xhaka said Switzerland “can beat anyone” at the World Cup after Breel Embolo’s goal secured a 1-0 victory over Cameroon in their opening match on Thursday.

The Swiss have reached the last 16 at the last two World Cups but play tournament favourites Brazil next before concluding their Group G campaign against Serbia.

Switzerland made the quarter-finals at Euro 2020 after knocking out current world champions France and Xhaka feels his side could be one of the dark horses in Qatar.

“It is not chance, when you look at the last 10 to 12 years we have been in the main tournaments,” the Swiss captain said.

“Brazil is the favourite for the tournament in my view. We have to bother them as we did in 2018.” Switzerland drew 1-1 with Brazil in their first game at the 2018 World Cup, where they also beat Serbia 2-1 thanks to goals from Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri.