Granit Xhaka continues his impressive scoring form with a goal for his country against Belarus on Saturday.
The Switzerland captain scored in Arsenal’s 4-1 against Crystal Palace last weekend to extend the Gunners lead at the top of the table to eight points. He scored the fourth goal in the Euro 2024 qualification match in Group I.
Renato Steffen’s first half hat-trick set the tone for a dominant display before Xhaka became provider for the Swiss’ fifth goal by substitute Zeki Amdouni in Serbia.
Steffen’s goals all came in similar fashion, set up down the left-hand side of the Swiss attack, as he proved an effective poacher to complete his treble in 29 minutes.
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Steffen’s first goal was a tap-in at the back post after four minutes; his second came in the 17th minute after goalie Andrei Kudravets parried the ball to him; and his third was a simple touch from Ricardo Rodriguez’s cross.
With a left-footed drive from outside the penalty area, Xhaka made it 4-0 just past the hour mark. Three minutes later, Amdouni, making only his second appearance, rushed onto Xhaka’s long pass and in front of the defense to score a stylish goal for the fifth goal.
Belarus attacker Vladimir Khvaschinski struck the woodwork in the first minute, but it was all the hosts could muster as they were outplayed throughout the duration of the game as they were banished to Serbia for their home matches.
UEFA has banned Belarusian teams from playing at home due to the country’s role in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Swiss next host Israel in Geneva on Tuesday when Belarus visit Romania in their second match of the Euro qualifiers.
