Liverpool fans get chance to see Shaqiri
Xherdan Shaqiri is a name becoming increasingly familiar to followers of the Premier League as the Bayern Munich playmaker continues to be linked with a host of English clubs. Liverpool are reportedly leading the race to sign the Switzerland international so Sunday’s Group E clash gave Reds supporters a chance to analyse the latest name being linked with a switch to Anfield. So how did Shaqiri do? The 22-year-old, who is stuck behind the likes of Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben at the Allianz Arena, was a bright spark in the first half as Shaqiri was always available to receive a pass from a team-mate. He showed confidence on the ball and even if he made a mistake, the Bayern youngster was unafraid to keep his head up and keep looking to create chances – a key attribute for any player looking to work under Brendan Rodgers. Whilst Shaqiri’s set-piece delivery was disappointing, the Swiss playmaker showed enough to suggest that he could well prove a Liverpool hit if a move is agreed.
Switzerland end goal drought
When Enner Valencia putting Ecuador in front before half-time, it looked like Switzerland were heading for a surprise defeat despite being touted as one of the dark horses at this World Cup. Why? Well the Swiss had failed to score in 263 minutes at the major tournament prior to the 48th minute. Ottmar Hitzfeld is a manager that is very much set in his conservative ways and goals have been a problem throughout his Swiss tenure. Whilst there is plenty of promising young talents in his squad, Hitzfeld’s Switzerland side are built on a solid defence. But the 65-year-old, whilst being a tad defensive at times, has plenty of tactical nous after two spells in charge of Bayern. His introduction of Freiburg striker Admir Mehmedi proved a stroke of genius as the substitute levelled within three minutes of the restart. Hitzfeld successfully looked to nullify Jefferson Montero’s threat on the left wing after Stephan Lichtsteiner endured a testing first half. It worked as the Ecuador star faded as he sought to impress any European scouts in attendance. And to cap an astute performance from the touchline, the Switzerland manager’s second substitute of the game, Haris Seferovic, pounced to score an injury-time winner.
Ecuador can’t continue American dominance
Swiss manager Hitzfeld claimed a European team could not win the World Cup in South America last week, and his prediction seemed prophetic as Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and Costa Rica won their opening group games. And for the best part of 49 minutes, Ecuador appeared set to add their name to that list of teams from Central and South America who have already tasted victory at the World Cup just four days in. But goals from substitutes Mehmedi and Seferovic meant Ecuador joined Uruguay as the only sides hailing from the CONMEBOL and CONCACAF zones to taste defeat. It is a blow to Ecuador’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage as the performances of Montero and Valencia suggested that Reinaldo Rueda’s side would have enough to reach the last 16, with further progression a distinct possibility.