- World Cup: ‘Switzerland Will Give Everything Against Argentina’ – Xhaka
- Swiss captain urges teammates to push beyond their limits.
- Switzerland plans disciplined approach to limit Lionel Messi’s influence.
Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka has expressed confidence that his team is ready to give everything in Saturday’s FIFA World Cup quarter final against Argentina as they bid to reach the semi finals for the first time in decades.
Switzerland secured their place in the last eight after defeating Colombia on penalties in the Round of 16 and will now face the reigning world champions led by Lionel Messi.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that speaking at a pre match press conference in Kansas City, Xhaka urged Swiss supporters to keep believing, insisting the team is prepared to push beyond its limits in pursuit of a historic result.
“Regarding the fans, keep dreaming. I am a person who always dreams, and dreams can come true,” he said.
“And if we want to fulfil our dreams, you need to work, you need to sweat, you need to give it 100 per cent. And sometimes you need to do something new. You really need to push your limits if you want to beat Argentina. And I’m convinced my team is ready.”
The experienced midfielder acknowledged the challenge of containing Messi, describing the Argentine captain as one of the game’s most dangerous players.
“I don’t know if we can stop him for over 90 minutes. It is going to be difficult,” Xhaka admitted.
“However, we have to be very smart. We’ll have to be compact, close the gaps, and not give him too much space. We will try, obviously, to play in position. When we have the ball, he won’t be able to act as much.”
Xhaka also reflected on the significance of Switzerland’s progress in the tournament, saying the opportunity to face the defending champions at this stage fills him with pride.
“After 72 years, to be able to be here with Switzerland and to play against a reigning champion, it just makes me very proud. But I am not here to talk. I want to take the next steps. And we are very close to the end and I am yearning for it.
“I am hungry and now we just need to show how much we really want it on the pitch. We are very well prepared and we need to showcase our mentality and I am sure that we can really bother Argentina.”
