Arsenal Granit Xhaka backed to recover after Euro penalty howler

 

Arsenal new boy Granit Xhaka will bounce back from his penalties heartbreak, says Switzerland teammate Xherdan Shaqiri.

The £35million man Xhaka has been outstanding throughout Euro 2016, but was the only man to miss from 12 yards when he blazed the second Swiss penalty wide during their last 16 shoot-out with Poland.

But even as Switzerland prepared to fly home from one tournament, Shaqiri backed his teammate to have a decisive influence at the next.

"Granit is very professional so he can cope with this," he said. "Of course we’re all very disappointed. Anyone can make mistakes, they happen. Sometimes it’s your turn to be the saddest player.

"Granit will get up and move on. I hope in the World Cup, in the round of 16, he will score and I hope he will."

Switzerland boss Vladimir Petkovic added: "Yes, I’m very sad for him but it’s not just about Xhaka. Switzerland lost and that’s what is most disappointing.

"In the lottery of a penalty shoot-out, when you miss one it can ultimately be crucial."