Switzerland ‘can beat anyone’ at World Cup — Xhaka

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.

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.

“I think Brazil can put three teams in the starting 11. Huge, huge talents. Big, big quality,” said Xhaka.

“But it is one game over 90 minutes. Anything can happen in one game.”