The Malta Independent 25 April 2024, Thursday
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Watch - Russia 2018, Group E: Serbia vs Switzerland match highlights

Friday, 22 June 2018, 22:27 Last update: about 7 years ago

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Switzerland has come back to beat Serbia in the World Cup but may have some political controversy to go with its 2-1 win.

The Swiss goals were scored by Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri, both of whom are of Kosovo Albanian descent, and both celebrated by putting their hands together to make the symbol for Albania's double-headed eagle.

Kosovo, a former Serbian province, declared independence in 2008. Serbia doesn't recognize Kosovo's independence and relations between the two countries remain tense.

Xhaka, whose brother plays for Albania, ran to the touchline and locked his thumbs together with fingers outstretched to make what looks like the double-headed eagle on Albania's flag. Shaqiri ripped off his shirt and made the same gesture with his hands on his chest after scoring the winner on a breakaway in the 90th minute.

The goals came after an Aleksandar Mitrovic header had given Serbia the lead in the first half.

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