Granit Xhaka leads Switzerland to historic World Cup quarter-final
Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka guided Switzerland to their first World Cup quarter-final since 1954 following a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Colombia on Tuesday.
The inspirational captain dropped to his knees in tears of joy at the Vancouver Stadium.
His commanding performance encapsulated a battling team spirit that overcame a dominant South American crowd.
This international milestone marks another remarkable chapter in a dramatic career resurgence.
From Arsenal exile to North East hero
Just five years ago, the experienced playmaker looked destined to leave English football entirely.
Frustrated Arsenal supporters famously booed the midfielder off the pitch during a Premier League clash against Crystal Palace in October 2019.
Former Gunners manager Unai Emery stripped him of the club captaincy following that explosive reaction.
However, the resilient Swiss international rebuilt his reputation under Mikel Arteta before departing for Germany.
A phenomenally successful stint at Bayer Leverkusen yielded an invincible domestic league and cup double.
That stunning form earned a Premier League return with newly-promoted Sunderland last summer.
Driving Sunderland to European qualification
The combative star played a pivotal role as the Black Cats shocked the division to finish seventh.
His elite mentality helped secure a highly lucrative Europa League qualification spot for the Wearside club.
Former Arsenal team-mate Theo Walcott praised the veteran’s unwavering vocal presence.
“No matter where you were in the training ground you could hear him speaking to someone,” Walcott told Match of the Day.
Walcott noted that his former colleague’s time abroad significantly elevated those natural leadership qualities.
Rejecting Chelsea to build a legacy
Such dominant midfield displays naturally caught the attention of heavy-spending Chelsea during the recent transfer window.
Yet the former Basel youth product reaffirmed his commitment to the Sunderland project instead.
BBC Radio Newcastle journalist Ian Murtagh compared the signing’s monumental impact to Kevin Keegan’s legendary 1982 arrival at Newcastle United.
“In terms of influence, in terms of driving up the standards, in terms of communicating with his team-mates, I think there are huge similarities between the two,” Murtagh explained.
Now, the rejuvenated tournament star hopes to orchestrate an unprecedented World Cup semi-final appearance for his nation.