Switzerland Rout Turkey to Keep Hopes Alive

Date: 21 June 2021 - 23:00

News ID: ۹۱۵۴۵

LONDON (Dispatches) - Switzerland gave themselves a superb chance of qualifying for the last 16 of Euro 2020 as one of the best third-placed sides with a superb victory that sends Turkey home without a point to their name.
Needing a win in Baku to stand any chance of progression, the Swiss produced by far their best display of the tournament - one that could and probably should have yielded a bigger and more rewarding win.
Xherdan Shaqiri and Haris Seferovic were the goalscoring heroes, silencing those who had questioned their places in the side with a collection of fine goals, all of them assisted by Steven Zuber.
The first of Shaqiri’s brace - to make it 2-0 in the first half - was especially good, the Liverpool man curling in from the edge of the box.
Equally as important was Yann Sommer in the Swiss goal, who produced a string of good saves to keep a much-improved Turkey at bay, especially in the first half.
At the other end, Ugurcan Cakir was just as impressive, saving numerous times to frustrate a Swiss side who knew that a Wales loss in Italy and a five-goal swing would give them second in the group.
Turkey were able to score their first goal of the tournament and a fine one it was too, Irfan Can Kahveci smashing in a long-range drive to briefly narrow the score to 2-1.

Turkey Coach Blames Many Factors for ‘Poor Performance’

Turkey coach Senol Gunes blamed a number of factors for the “unacceptable performance” of his team at Euro 2020 but he is not planning to resign amid growing pressure back home.
Turkey, who finished bottom of Group A after losing all three games, were tipped as dark horses to do well in the tournament, but will head home after a dismal effort.
“This young team will mark the next 10 years of Turkish football but we are well aware that such a performance at this tournament is unacceptable,” Gunes said.