Shaqiri apologises to Swiss fans after 6-1 loss to Portugal

Switzerland midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri apologised to their fans after they had been dumped out of the World Cup in humiliating vogue as they suffered a 6-1 defeat to a rampant Portugal within the spherical of 16 at Lusail Stadium on Tuesday.

Goncalo Ramos scored a hat-trick, with Pepe, Raphael Guerreiro and Rafael Leao additionally on the scoresheet as Portugal put Switzerland to the sword to storm into their first World Cup quarter-final since 2006.

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Portugal coach Fernando Santos benched Cristiano Ronaldo and was rewarded with a far slicker and extra suave show from his group than something they’d proven within the group phases as Switzerland had been outplayed in each a part of the pitch.

“Today we have to apologise to all Switzerland fans in the name of the team. That was not our true face tonight,” Shaqiri mentioned.

“We’re very disappointed. We were shown our limits tonight. The coach gave us a plan but it did not work out for us. We lost the game already in the first half and were always a step too late.”

Swiss coach Murat Yakin, whose contract with the nationwide group runs for 2 extra years, mentioned Portugal had caught his facet without warning.

“We must accept this defeat and congratulate Portugal,” he mentioned. They had been one of the best group this night. They stunned us.”

“We misplaced a sport right now however that does not imply we have now to be too pessimistic and criticise all the things. The group has proven nice group spirit.

“But this defeat hurts. The score and the manner of the loss sadden me.”

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Switzerland haven’t reached the final eight on the World Cup since 1954, however Yakin added that his facet might take pleasure of their journey in Qatar and would have to discover a means to maintain transferring ahead.

“We only lost one game, why should we question everything?” he mentioned. “It’s true that we didn’t meet our fans’ expectations but we can look back on our journey in this World Cup with pride.

“Now we have now to look to the long run.”

Swiss keeper Yann Sommer said they had not been mentally strong enough during the match.

“We didn’t present the mentality we often deliver onto the pitch,” he added. “It’s a really bitter night. We gave Portugal far an excessive amount of area. I did not look too good both in a number of conditions.

“This is not the way to survive against such opponents.”