SBOTOP: Manuel Akanji on Penalty Miss: 'Feels Like I Let the Whole Country Down

Manuel Akanji, the stalwart defender of the Swiss national team, has spoken candidly about his feelings of disappointment and responsibility following Switzerland’s heartbreaking penalty shoot-out loss to England. The match, which ended in dramatic fashion, saw Akanji miss a crucial penalty, a moment he believes let down both his team and his country. Despite the defeat, Akanji’s reflections highlight the resilience and unity of the Swiss squad as they look to the future.

The Match

England vs. Switzerland was a high-stakes affair, featuring two well-matched teams battling for supremacy. The game, played with intensity and skill, ended in a 1-1 draw after regular and extra time, pushing the contest into a nerve-wracking penalty shoot-out.

The Swiss team, led by coach Murat Yakin, demonstrated tactical acumen and determination throughout the match. England took an early lead with a goal from Raheem Sterling, but Switzerland fought back, equalizing through a brilliant strike from Xherdan Shaqiri. As the game progressed, both teams had opportunities to win, but neither could find the decisive goal.

The Penalty Shoot-Out

The shoot-out was a tense affair, with each penalty carrying immense weight. The pressure was palpable as players stepped up to take their shots, knowing that one miss could mean the end of their journey. Manuel Akanji, known for his composure and reliability in defense, stepped up to take one of the crucial penalties for Switzerland. Unfortunately, his effort was saved by the English goalkeeper, tipping the balance in England’s favor and ultimately leading to Switzerland’s elimination.

Manuel Akanji spoke openly about his feelings of regret and responsibility. “I feel like I let the team down, the whole country down,” Akanji admitted. “It’s a tough pill to swallow, especially knowing how much effort everyone put in. We wanted to make our fans proud and go further in the tournament.”

Akanji’s comments reflect the weight of expectation that comes with representing one’s country on such a significant stage. The emotions of the moment were evident as he described the scene. “Standing there, knowing the hopes of your team and your country are riding on you, it’s a lot of pressure. I tried to stay calm and focused, but unfortunately, it didn’t go our way.”

Support from Team-Mates and Fans

Despite his disappointment, Akanji was quick to acknowledge the support he received from his team-mates and fans. “The guys have been great, very supportive. We win and lose together as a team,” he said. “Our fans have also been incredible. Their support means everything to us, and it’s something that motivates us to keep pushing forward.”

The unity and solidarity within the Swiss squad have been a hallmark of their recent performances. Coach Murat Yakin emphasized this collective spirit in his post-match remarks, praising his players for their resilience and commitment. “Manuel gave everything, just like the rest of the team. Penalty shoot-outs are always a lottery, and today it didn’t go our way. We stand together in victory and in defeat,” Yakin stated.

Akanji’s reflections also touched on the importance of learning from such experiences. He stressed that while the pain of the loss is significant, it is also an opportunity for growth. “These moments are tough, but they make you stronger. We have a young team with a lot of potential, and experiences like this are part of our journey,” Akanji noted.