Granit Xhaka expressed deep disappointment after Switzerland’s 1-1 draw against Serbia, feeling it resembled a defeat. The match held special significance for him due to his Kosovar heritage. Despite a strong second-half performance and notable displays from players like Gregor Kobel and Zeki Amdouni, Switzerland missed crucial chances and faced relegation from the Nations League. Coach Murat Yakin noted the team’s inexperience, while future challenges loom, including upcoming matches against top teams like Spain.
Granit Xhaka’s Disappointment After the Match
Granit Xhaka, the Swiss captain, was the first player to exit the field following the final whistle. With his head bowed and shoulders slumped, he made a beeline for the locker room, his expression vacant. One can’t help but wonder what thoughts raced through his mind in that moment. Later, he expressed, “The draw feels like a defeat.”
A Special Rivalry and Unfortunate Outcome
Matches against Serbia carry significant meaning for Xhaka, who hails from Kosovar parents. On this chilly evening at the packed Letzigrund stadium, he faced boos from the crowd and engaged in heated exchanges with the Serbian players. Unlike his previous encounters at the World Cups in 2018 and 2022, this time Xhaka did not emerge victorious. Following the 1-1 draw, the Swiss national team faced relegation from the Nations League for the first time ever.
One of the key questions lingering after the match is: When does taking risks become too reckless?
As Xhaka pondered this during his somber exit, it was evident that the Swiss team displayed a commendable effort, particularly in the second half against Serbia. Although they missed several golden opportunities, there were bright spots to note. Gregor Kobel, in his ninth appearance for the national team, showcased his presence and composure as he made a crucial penalty save against Aleksandar Mitrovic, demonstrating impressive agility for a player standing at 196 centimeters tall.
The makeshift defensive duo of Eray Cömert and Aurèle Amenda also put forth a focused and determined performance, despite lacking finesse at times. Amenda, who made his debut for Switzerland in light of several absences, including that of injured captain Manuel Akanji, has been seen as a promising defensive talent for years. National coach Murat Yakin praised Amenda’s performance, noting, “He did excellently.”
Equally noteworthy was Zeki Amdouni’s standout performance. Despite limited playing time with his new club, Benfica Lisbon, he was a force as a playmaker, often difficult for Serbian defenders to contain. Amdouni faced a harsh challenge from Aleksa Terzic early in the match, which could have warranted a red card. Ultimately, it was Terzic who contributed to Switzerland’s relegation with a late equalizer in the 88th minute.
In a match that had its chaotic moments, Switzerland could have secured a more significant lead, especially after Mitrovic’s missed penalty. Amdouni managed to score in the 78th minute, following a previous near-miss. Shortly after, Edimilson Fernandes hit the post, highlighting the number of missed chances for the Swiss. With points on the line, they were eager to find a second goal after taking the initial lead, especially in light of their earlier 0-2 defeat in the first leg.
Despite their vigor, the Swiss defense was left exposed in the closing minutes. A win would have kept their hopes alive of overtaking Serbia in the standings. Now, their next challenge likely involves facing the European champions, Spain, in Tenerife, with a patchwork squad.
Another question arises: Why did the Swiss go “all in” against Serbia?
Coach Yakin suggested that his team was lacking in experience. However, he could have urged his players to adopt a more cautious approach. The conceded goal was a result of central midfielders Xhaka and Remo Freuler failing to adequately defend against a Serbian counterattack. Freuler later acknowledged that both the finishing and rest defense needed improvement.
Throughout this Nations League campaign, luck seemed to evade the Swiss, with questionable refereeing decisions and glaring mistakes. Nevertheless, the disappointing record of just two points from five games highlights deeper issues that coach Murat Yakin and his staff need to address as they prepare for next year’s World Cup qualification.
Key considerations include filling the outside positions, determining the best partner for Akanji in central defense, and optimizing the offensive setup. Breel Embolo often struggles with precision as a center forward and prefers more space to utilize his strengths, while Amdouni thrives in a playmaking role. Newcomers Noah Okafor and Fabian Rieder have not yet made a significant impact on the wing, as they excel in central positions.
Furthermore, with Dan Ndoye, Ruben Vargas, and Silvan Widmer absent from this match, the team missed out on three reliable flank options. Amdouni could emerge as a key player to fill the void left by the retired Xherdan Shaqiri, stepping up as both a playmaker and a valuable asset in crucial moments.