**Xhaka Expects Best World Cup for Switzerland, Emphasizes Enjoyment of the Moment**
As Switzerland prepares to kick off their World Cup campaign against Qatar, captain Granit Xhaka expressed confidence in the team's potential to deliver their best performance yet. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Xhaka emphasized the importance of enjoying the experience while remaining focused on the goal of victory.
This World Cup marks Xhaka's fourth appearance on football's biggest stage, and he noted a heightened sense of anticipation among the players. "We are yearning for it like never before," he stated, highlighting the team's readiness to compete against Qatar, the reigning Asian champions, in their opening match scheduled for Saturday in Santa Clara.
Xhaka underscored the need for players to embrace the moment, stating, "In football, we always talk about tactical things, but you also have to enjoy the moment. I think this is one of the most important things in football, that you go on the pitch and feel free." He expressed a desire for the team to bring their best performance, not only for Switzerland but also for their families, as they take what he describes as "the first big step" in the tournament.
Switzerland is making its sixth consecutive World Cup appearance, a feat matched by only a select few European nations, including France, Spain, England, Portugal, and Germany. However, unlike these teams, Switzerland's World Cup history has been marked by disappointment, with five of their last six tournaments ending in round-of-16 exits. The last time Switzerland reached the quarter-finals was in 1954.
A victory against Qatar would position Switzerland at the top of Group B, ahead of Bosnia and co-hosts Canada, who played to a 1-1 draw on Friday.
Xhaka, who is 33 years old and Switzerland's most capped player, is on the verge of reaching the 150-cap milestone at the World Cup. If selected, he and defender Ricardo Rodriguez will both set a national record with 13 appearances in the tournament.
Switzerland's head coach, Murat Yakin, expressed optimism about the squad's capabilities, noting that 17 members of the current team participated in the last World Cup. The team faced a challenging exit in 2022, suffering a heavy defeat to Portugal in the round of 16. Yakin believes that the experiences gained from that tournament will serve the team well this time around. "We learned our lessons from the past," he said. "Now, four years later, we have more experience. We do things better."
As the Swiss team gears up for their opening match, there is a palpable sense of excitement and determination. With their sights set on making a significant impact in the tournament, the players are not only focused on the tactical aspects of the game but are also reminded to savor the unique experience of competing on the world stage.