Xhaka Faces Criticism for Penalty Shoot-Out Loss
In the aftermath of Switzerland’s shoot-out loss to England in the Euro 2024, Granit Xhaka has found himself at the center of criticism from fans. The Bayer Leverkusen captain, who did not take any of the Swiss’ four spot kicks, has been accused by fans of wanting to take the fifth penalty, which could have potentially been the winning shot.
The debate surrounding Xhaka’s penalty-taking position stems from previous instances in football where star players such as Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo have strategically positioned themselves as the fifth penalty taker in an attempt to score the decisive goal. While it is unclear whether Xhaka was indeed waiting to take the fifth spot kick, fans have speculated that he was aiming to replicate this tactic.
Some fans took to social media to express their frustration with Xhaka’s perceived desire to be the hero. One user wrote, “Xhaka trying to be the hero by taking the 5th penalty,” while another exclaimed, “Xhaka did 5th penalty taker gimmick nooooooooooooooooooooooo.” The comparison to Neymar was evident, with one fan stating, “Xhaka and Neymar shying from a pen shootout,” and another adding, “Granit Xhaka still waiting to kick. Joins Neymar on that list.”
While Xhaka’s penalty record in normal time is relatively successful, having scored three out of four penalties attempted, his absence from the spot during shoot-outs has become a topic of discussion among fans. In Switzerland’s shoot-out win over France at Euro 2020, Xhaka did not take a penalty, although his team successfully converted all five shots. He was then suspended for their quarter-final defeat to Spain, which also ended in a penalty shoot-out.
However, it is worth noting that Xhaka did take a penalty against England in the 2019 Nations League, scoring as Switzerland lost 6-5 in the third-place play-off. This demonstrates his willingness to step up in high-pressure situations, but whether he was indeed waiting to take the fifth penalty against England in Euro 2024 remains uncertain.
The criticism directed towards Xhaka highlights the intense scrutiny that players face, particularly during decisive moments in major tournaments. While fans may have their opinions on Xhaka’s intentions and choices, it is important to remember that penalty shoot-outs are unpredictable and often rely on a combination of skill, strategy, and luck. The spotlight may be on the players who take the shots, but the outcome of a shoot-out is a collective effort influenced by various factors.
In conclusion, Granit Xhaka’s involvement in Switzerland’s shoot-out loss to England has sparked criticism from fans who believe he was waiting to take the fifth penalty. The comparisons to star players like Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo have fueled debates about strategic positioning in shoot-outs. While Xhaka’s penalty record in normal time is impressive, his absence from spot kicks during shoot-outs has drawn attention. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that penalties are a team effort, and the ultimate outcome depends on various factors beyond individual players.