Serbia 2-3 Switzerland: the Serbs fail to take their revenge

Xherdan Shaqiri was once again the hero as Switzerland took on Serbia at Stadium 974 in a repeat of the 2018 World Cup meeting between the two teams that saw Shaqiri score a late-winner.

Shaqiri alongside teammate Xhaka, both coming from Kosovian heritage, celebrated their goals against Serbia by making an eagle shape with their hands which caused quite the controversy. The eagle is a symbol of Kosovo, a former province of Serbia, who declared independence in 2008. An independence that Serbia doesn’t recognize.

The match was already charged because of their last meeting but an added pressure of both teams being able to qualify made it even more interesting and the game itself didn’t disappoint as

opened the scoring in the 20th minute only to be met with two goals from Mitrovic and Vlahovic in the 26th and 35th minute.

But the Swiss were adamant not to go into the break being behind as

once again starred and brought the match level just before the half time whistle was blown. Remo Freuler added to Serbia misery as he scored early in the second half which put Switzerland ahead.

then sat deeply to defend the result which saw them qualify to the next round. Tempers flared in the match, with there even being a public announcement in the stadium wanting from Serbian fans to stop their discriminatory and abusive gestures.

There were some on field tussles as well but ultimately Switzerland managed to get the win and qualify second behind Brazil with 6 points. They will next meet Portugal at Lusail Stadium on December 6.

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