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Swiss Shaqiri's stunning goal counts for nothing eventually

June 25, 2016 23:28 IST

Switzerland's Xherdan Shaqiri scores the equalising goal against Poland during their Euro 2016 round of 16 match at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Etienne, on Saturday

IMAGE: Switzerland's Xherdan Shaqiri scores the equalising goal against Poland during their Euro 2016 round of 16 match at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Etienne, on Saturday. Photograph: Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Switzerland's Xherdan Shaqiri finally made his mark at Euro 2016 with an astonishing goal but was unable to savour the moment as they were knocked out by Poland on penalties on Saturday.

Euro 2016: Poland sink Switzerland on penalties to reach quarters

But his goal proved to be in vain as the match finished 1-1 after extra time and Poland won 5-4 in the shootout after an awful miss by Granit Xhaka with Switzerland's second penalty.

"It is instinct and belief because you have to really be convinced when you throw yourself at a ball like that," said Switzerland coach Vladimir Petkovic.

"You have to try and strike it towards goal, and you also need a little bit of luck in instances like these. Unfortunately, we lacked that rub of the green elsewhere."

Stoke City forward Shaqiri added: "It was a great goal but ultimately it didn't prove much use.

“My goal pushed the team more, it was an important goal for me. It was a beautiful goal and I am always proud to score for my country, but we are out and I am disappointed.” 

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