Switzerland 3-0 Honduras: Shaqiri scores hat-trick, Switzerland confidently advances
Xherdan Shaqiri failed to score in his first two matches, causing Switzerland to face many difficulties and the risk of being eliminated before the final round. However, the number one hope of Swiss football made up for it all with a brilliant performance in the decisive match against Honduras early this morning.
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| Shaqiri is the second player to score a hat-trick at the 2014 World Cup. |
The winger, who plays for Bayern, scored all three goals to help Switzerland crush Honduras 3-0 to get through the narrow door to the knockout round of the 2014 World Cup. Shaqiri's goals were very much in line with his style, both technical, fast and powerful.
In the 6th minute, Shaqiri put Switzerland ahead after a skillful dribble near the edge of the penalty area, before unleashing a powerful and dangerous left-footed shot into the top corner of the goal.
His second goal came in the 31st minute. The 22-year-old striker made a lightning-fast break from Josip Drmic's through ball, before defeating his opponent with a neat curling shot.
Shaqiri completed his hat-trick in the 71st minute, with a neat and classy finish in the penalty area from Drmic's cross.
Not only did he shine brightly to help Switzerland advance, Shaqiri also became the second player to score a hat-trick at the 2014 World Cup, after Germany's Thomas Mueller.
Line-up
Switzerland:Benaglio; Lichtsteiner, Djourou, Rodriguez, Schaer; Behrami, Inler, Shaqiri (Dzemaili 87'), Xhaka (Lang 77'); Mehmedi, Drmic (Seferovic 73')
Honduras:Valladares; Brayan Beckeles, Bernardez, Figueroa, J Garcia; Claros, Palacios, Espinoza (Chávez 45'), O Garcia (Najar 77'); Bengtson, Costly (Palacios 40').
