Switzerland's 2-1 World Cup win over Serbia was was dominated by the celebrations by scorers Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri which appeared to have political overtones.
After falling behind in the fifth minute, Switzerland defied a cauldron-like atmosphere created by fervent Serbian supporters (captured singing Kosovo related chants throughout)as they hit back with a thunderbolt from Xhaka and a last-minute breakaway goal from Shaqiri.
Both players, who are ethnic Albanians and of Kosovar heritage, celebrated with a gesture which appeared to imitate the eagle displayed on Albania’s flag.
Serbia refuses to recognise the independence of its former province Kosovo, whose 1.8 million people are mostly ethnic Albanians, which broke away 10 years ago.
Second-generation immigrants from the Balkans have played a huge part in transforming the Swiss national side over the past 10 years.
Players such as Valon Behrami - playing at his fourth World Cup - Xhaka and Shaqiri have brought both raw talent and passion to a team which was not noted for either in the past.
Xhaka and Shaqiri, both articulate and multi-lingual, wear their hearts on their sleeve and have never been shy about their heritage.
In 2012, Swiss television commentator Sascha Ruefer caused controversy with comments about a Xhaka miss during a World Cup qualifier against Albania, when Switzerland were already 2-0 ahead.
“What was that? All he needed was to push the ball home. I’d like to see that again . . . presumably Xhaka was not unhappy at not having scored against Albania,” he said.
Ruefer denied he meant any slur but admitted his comment was a “bit unfortunate.”
Xhaka backed Kosovo’s ultimately successful campaign for Fifa membership and at one point contemplated playing for them before pledging his allegiance to Switzerland.
The players insisted there was nothing to see in their celebrations.
“For me it was a really special day,” said Xhaka. “This is a victory for my family, for Switzerland, Albania, Kosovo. The gesture was for everyone who has supported me, it was not aimed at our opponents. It was a really emotional game.”
Shaqiri said: “It’s nothing to do with politics, it’s about football.”
