Xherdan Shaqiri writes his name in history at Euro 2024

Switzerland attacker Xherdan Shaqiri scored a sensational goal in their UEFA Euro 2024 clash against Scotland on Wednesday, June 19. In doing so, he became the first MLS player to score at this edition of the tournament.

Scotland took an early lead at the Cologne Stadium in Germany via Scott McTominay’s deflected strike in the 13^th minute. However, Switzerland bounced back in the 26^th minute. Anthony Ralston’s poor pass fell straight into the path of Shaqiri, who hit it first time from outside the box past Angus Gunn.

Shaqiri, who plays for Chicago Fire FC at club level, became the first MLS player to score at Euro 2024. He also became the first player to score in each of the last six major tournaments – 3 Euros and 3 FIFA World Cups.

After the game, Switzerland manager Murat Yakin heaped praise on Xherdan Shaqiri, saying:

“Shaqiri proved tonight that he lives and breathes for moments like that. He has shown that time and again down the years. He really deserves that moment. It was an unbelievably clinical strike. He did the only thing he could do. It really helped the team out.”

Xherdan Shaqiri’s goal was majorly impactful as it helped Switzerland remain unbeaten in their two Euro 2024 games so far. They beat Hungary 3-1 in their previous game and sit behind Germany in Group A.

They will next face Germany on June 23 and are highly likely to progress to the Round of 16 of the competition. They will need to avoid a big defeat in case Scotland beats Hungary as the Swiss have a better goal difference than the Scots by a margin of 6.

Also Read: Scotland vs Switzerland Highlights: Scott McTominay’s deflected strike canceled out by Xherdan Shaqiri’s rocket

A look at Xherdan Shaqiri’s career so far

Xherdan Shaqiri has been a mainstay in the Switzerland national team since making his debut on March 3, 2010. He has scored 32 goals and provided 34 assists in 124 games for them and has been the side’s big-game player.

At the club level, Shaqiri currently plays for Chicago Fire FC, which he joined from Olympique Lyon in February 2022. He has scored 16 goals and contributed 13 assists in 75 games for the MLS side.

Over his storied career, Shaqiri played for the likes of Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Liverpool. He is perhaps best known for his time at Liverpool, where he spent three years, making 63 appearances and contributing eight goals and nine assists.

Shaqiri has won two UEFA Champions League trophies (one with Liverpool and the other with Bayern Munich), one Premier League title, and three Bundesliga titles, among numerous other honors.

Also Read: Scotland vs Switzerland Player Ratings: Scott McTominay (8/10); Xherdan Shaqiri (8/10) and more