Manuel Akanji of all people, who has finally developed into a leading player, is the only one to miss the penalty in the European Championship quarter-final against England. Captain Granit Xhaka knows the feeling.
He took on the responsibility and failed. But Akanji didn't want to hide away because of it. The man from Winterthur, who turns 29 on July 19, stood in front of the media and tried to put his feelings into words. But that was difficult, the defender explained. Because it still hurts a lot. "When you're the only one to miss a penalty, you feel like you've let everyone down."
It's obvious: Akanji is inconsolable. Just like three years ago, the Swiss national team was on the verge of reaching the semi-finals at the European Championship - this time perhaps a little closer than against Spain. Akanji also missed a penalty back then, but was one of three shooters to miss. "I'll need a few days to digest that," said Akanji.
Xhaka's words of support
Granit Xhaka knows exactly how his team-mate feels. In 2016, he almost experienced the same thing in the round of 16 against Poland, when he was the only player to miss in the penalty shoot-out. "Something like that makes you stronger," said the captain. He is sure that "Manu" will come back even better. "We will all support him."
Akanji's miss was particularly bitter because he had perhaps played the best tournament of his career up to that point. He was the boss in defense, won the duels and blocked shots in rows. Fabian Schär and Ricardo Rodriguez were also on top form around the leading player, who won two successive English championships with Manchester City. "Manu deserves a lot of respect," said Xhaka. "He can be proud of his performance in this tournament and this season."
Xhaka also explained that his adductor injury was worse than initially communicated. The Leverkusen international apparently tore a muscle fiber and had to grit his teeth for 120 minutes in the match against England. "I sensed that the team needed me," said the 31-year-old, explaining his involvement. The defeat was all the more painful. "Penalties are also a matter of luck. And unfortunately, luck wasn't on our side."
A little pride too
Despite the disappointment, it was clear to Xhaka and Akanji that the team had played a strong tournament. "We performed as a unit, got on really well and played good football," Akanji summed up. However, it is difficult to say whether it was the best performance he has ever seen in a Swiss kit. "We've been playing at a very high level for a few years now. We've always been able to keep up with the best teams in the world."
On this Saturday evening in Düsseldorf, too, not much was missing for the really big coup. "It would have been possible to progress," said Akanji. But this knowledge is of little consolation, at least for now.
