Chicago Fire Designated Player Xherdan Shaqiri and the Switzerland Men's National Team got off to a winning start at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar early Thursday morning, securing all three points in their Group G opener with a 1-0 win against Cameroon.
Appearing in his fourth FIFA World Cup tournament and making his 109th overall appearance for Switzerland, Shaqiri got the start in wide midfield for head coach Murat Yakin on Thursday and helped set up Breel Embolo's match-winning goal in the second half prior to departing in the 72nd minute.
Shaqiri's assist came just as the the second half got underway at Al Janoub Stadium. Finding space along the right side of Switzerland's attacking third, Shaqiri received a pass outside the Cameroon 18-yard-box and played a low cross to the foot of Embolo, who finished past goalkeeper Andre Onana.
The assist was the 31st of Shaqiri's international career, and second in World Cup play. The win put Switzerland atop Group G with three points, with group mates Serbia and Brazil still to play on Thursday.
The Swiss will next face five-time FIFA World Cup champions Brazil at 10:00 a.m. CT on Monday, Nov. 28 at Stadium 974, before closing out the group stage against Serbia at 1:00 p.m. CT on Friday, Dec. 2 at Stadium 974.
Be a part of our festivities throughout the 2022 FIFA World Cup!
Get all the info on upcoming Chicago watch parties, the match schedule, latest news, and more.
