
<p>FIFA president Gianni Infantino has avoided any possible prosecution over the use of a private jet in 2017. Infantino apparently charted a private flight from Suriname to Switzerland during this timeframe. Nevertheless, the Attorney General of Switzerland (OAG) closed an investigation into the ordeal on Thursday.</p>



<p>Prosecutors determined that Infantino was in compliance with the organization’s rules and regulations.</p>



<h2>FIFA releases statement on Infantino and private jet</h2>



<p>The governing body of the sport FIFA welcomed the final ruling related to the private jet. “It has been confirmed that the travel arrangements, made by the President’s Office and FIFA’s travel department, were in line with FIFA’s compliance rules and regulations,” FIFA said in an official <a href="https://www.fifa.com/about-fifa/president/media-releases/proceedings-against-fifa-president-closed" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">statement</a>.</p>



<p>“In addition, the OAG has acknowledged that the manner of communication in relation to these travel arrangements at the time were completely justified.”</p>



<p>FIFA also revealed that the organization and Infantino will not be responsible for the financial aspects of the investigation. “Following the OAG’s judgement, the Swiss state shall bear all costs related to the investigation, while the FIFA President has also decided to waive any claim for damages, thus foregoing any potential compensation.”</p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">FIFA announces Swiss attorney general closed the investigation against Gianni Infantino over a private jet to fly from Suriname to Switzerland in 2017. <br><br>There are separate ongoing criminal proceedings against Infantino over alleged undisclosed meetings with the attorney general</p>— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobHarris/status/1633733002176995328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>“The FIFA president has been fully at the disposal of the Swiss authorities. [He] remains hopeful that the judicial system recognizes that the current FIFA administration has turned the page on the past and is now established as a credible and respected organization.”</p>



<h5>Not the first time for Infantino</h5>



<p>FIFA, with help from their ethics committee, previously looked into the incident themselves in 2020. The organization cleared Infantino during their research three years ago.</p>



<p>Infantino has been at the helm at FIFA sine 2016. The Swiss soccer official <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/fifa-president-gianni-infantino-cleared-in-ethics-probe-20160805-CMS-181907.html">faced investigations</a> multiple times throughout his reign for a series of ethics and corruption issues. This includes <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/36795446" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">private flights and personal items</a> purchased by Infantino, but billed back to FIFA in 2016.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / PA Images</em></p>


Swiss prosecutors have ended their investigation into FIFA president Gianni Infantino for a private jet flight in 2017.

Prosecutors end Infantino investigation over private jet


<p><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/nations/switzerland-national-team-tv-schedule/">Switzerland</a> grabbed the final spot of the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2022 World Cup</a> knockout phase on Friday with a win over Serbia. The European team entered the day holding the second spot of Group G, as <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/nations/brazil-national-team-tv-schedule/">Brazil</a> already locked up a place in the next phase. <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/nations/serbia-national-team-tv-schedule/">Serbia</a>, needing a win to advance in the competition, did not make it easy for the Swiss squad.</p>



<p>Xerdan Shaqiri, Breel Embolo and Remo Freuler were on the scoresheet on the night as Switzerland beat Serbia, 3-2. There were two different lead changes in the massive match. Serbia fought back with two goals inside nine minutes, but couldn’t keep the Swiss out of goal in the end.</p>



<h2>Switzerland and Serbia full of skirmishes</h2>



<p>The game was feisty from start to finish. There were 31 totals fouls and 11 yellow cards handed out by the referee. Multiple clashes between players on both sides broke out throughout the duration of the fixture as well. </p>



<p>Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka was at the middle of the skirmishes a few times in the second half. The Swiss captain even received a yellow card for incidents involving two different Serbian players in added time.</p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Switzerland advances to the knockout stages after a FIFA World Cup classic against Serbia 🇨🇭👏<br><br>Relive all the CRAZY back-and-forth moments in our 90&apos; in 90" highlights ⬇️ <a href="https:\/\/t.co/8MxZa2m55T">pic.twitter.com/8MxZa2m55T</a></p>— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1598789776999489536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>These two teams have a bit of an interesting history together. Serbia and Switzerland also matched up in the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The Swiss won this matchup as well. </p>



<p>However, the main talking point in that particular game was how Shaqiri and Xhaka celebrated their goals. Each <a href="https:\/\/theathletic.com/3956860/2022/12/02/switzerland-shaqiri-xhaka-world-cup-serbia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">formed an eagle with their hands</a> and sticking out their tongues. This was to symbolize the flag of Albania, which both players have roots to. Serbia and Kosovo have had tension since the Yugoslav Wars of the 1990s.</p>



<h5>Brazil keeps top spot despite loss</h5>



<p>Elsewhere in the group, Brazil ended up losing to Cameroon thanks to a goal by Vincent Aboubakar in the 92nd minute of the match. The defeat, however, ultimately did not mean much. The Brazilians still finished top of their group.</p>



<p>Switzerland will now face on Portugal in the knockout round on Tuesday. Brazil, on the other hand, play South Korea on Monday.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Xinhua</em></p>


Switzerland wins thrilling World Cup match against Serbia 3-2 in matchup against two teams that have an interesting rivalry.

Switzerland clinches knockout spot despite Serbia surge


<p>The 48th minute of Cameroon’s 2022 <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">World Cup</a> opener is a perfect example of the thin line between victory and defeat. The Switzerland team (minus goalscorer Breel Embolo because he was born in Cameroon) celebrate in front of a frenzied crowd, relieved that the close-fought game is finally going their way.</p>



<p>Only a few yards away, Andre Onana and the Cameroon defense look anguished, knowing that their chance of winning its first World Cup match in 20 years would be even harder.</p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Breel Embolo puts Switzerland on top and decides not to celebrate his goal against Cameroon, his birth country 🙌 <a href="https:\/\/t.co/7amWCNa9kD">pic.twitter.com/7amWCNa9kD</a></p>— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1595738829142593539?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>And indeed it was hard. The swarming, unstoppable Swiss press broke down Cameroon’s offense, and the energetic attack kept Andre Onana hard at work. Yet the Indomitable Lions should not blame the loss on Switzerland’s excellence. </p>



<p>This flat Cameroon side was nothing like the <a href="https:\/\/www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/feb/12/world-cup-25-stunning-moments-cameroon-argentina?adlt=strict&amp;toWww=1&amp;redig=6B9837B000C7427981EDA9F6618622DB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1990 Cameroonian squad </a>that left Diego Maradona and Gheorghe Hagi speechless at the World Cup, nor the 2002 AFCON team that went undefeated en route to its fourth Africa Cup of Nations title. Cameroon, dysfunctional and disjointed, looks worse than ever as today’s match with Switzerland showed.</p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cameroon, please take your chances before the chances take you</p>— Saddick Adams (@SaddickAdams) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/SaddickAdams/status/1595728510995529738?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h4>Onana’s heroics not enough </h4>



<p>For a good while, Cameroon’s game against Switzerland looked surprisingly even. Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo forced a save out of Yann Sommer, and Hellas Verona winger Martin Hongla nearly scored to give Cameroon a comfortable lead. </p>



<p>City center-back Manuel Akanji nearly broke the deadlock as the first half closed with a glancing header to the bottom right corner. But Akanji’s poor touch on the ball ensured the game stayed even going into halftime.</p>



<p>But finally, Switzerland broke through in the 48th minute when Xherdan Shaqiri played a perfect cross to Embolo, who easily tucked the chance away. And from then on, Cameroon looked lost. </p>



<p>Ruben Vargas nearly scored from the exact spot as Embolo, but Onana’s diving save kept Cameroon in the game. Granit Xhaka nearly doubled Switzerland’s lead in the 89th, but Onana’s outstretched fingertips denied yet another shot attempt.</p>



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<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Switzerland vs. Cameroon Highlights | 2022 FIFA World Cup" width="500" height="281" src="https:\/\/www.youtube.com/embed/32RyT05OpVE?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
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<p>Even though Cameroon parried shot after shot away on defense, their offense couldn’t retaliate after Embolo’s opener. Eric Choupo-Moting almost scored in the 57th, but his low-quality shot did not have a realistic chance of going in. And so the game ended with a sluggish Cameroon left wondering what went wrong.</p>



<h4>Cameroon struggling with the press</h4>



<p>A key reason why Cameroon couldn’t see a lot of time on the ball was because of Switzerland’s stiff press. The pressure extended all the way to the corner flags, up and down the touchline, and anywhere Switzerland had a realistic chance of scoring off a counter-attack.</p>



<p>Cameroon faced a well-oiled machine, an octopus with an infinite amount of legs when greeted by the Swiss attack. And for the most part, it canceled Cameroon’s greatest asset; their possession.</p>



<p>Cameroon’s possession never dipped below 50% in the Africa Cup of Nations, and it was a big reason why Cameroon got all the way to the semifinal matchup. It was also a big reason for Cameroon’s losses against South Korea, where they had just 37% possession, and Switzerland, where they saw a minority of the ball.</p>



<p>Cameroon might have an easier time against Serbia, a team that usually does need possession to win games. But if Cameroon cannot beat through Serbia with its back line, it could spell disaster.</p>



<h4>Aboubakar snubbed for Choupo-Moting</h4>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is our issue this tournament – Aboubakar is the only proven striker for an African nation in Qatar <a href="https:\/\/t.co/gDVf2MGgYT">https:\/\/t.co/gDVf2MGgYT</a></p>— Maher Mezahi (@MezahiMaher) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/MezahiMaher/status/1595390579562749952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Vincent Aboubakar is undoubtedly the most influential player Cameroon has seen in a decade or so. He has 92 caps and 33 goals, both the most among active players. He scored the winning penalty against Senegal in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals, and the winning goal in the finals against Egypt. He’s consistently shown up time and time again for his country.</p>



<p>Surprisingly, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting took his place as the starting center-forward against Switzerland. A traditional winger, Choupo-Moting acclimated easily into the center-forward position. He won three duels and had 28 touches. </p>



<p>However, Choupo-Moting didn’t have the killer finish Aboubakar provides. He had one shot blocked, and Yann Sommer easily saved his only on-target shot.</p>



<p>Song subbed Aboubakar for Choupo-Moting with 16 minutes left on the clock. The Swiss defense had a tough time defending the target forward, and Aboubakar had 12 touches in the final third, but his wingers couldn’t give him the headers Aboubakar excels with.</p>



<p>That’s why I think a front three of Aboubakar, Choupo-Moting, and Karl Toko Ekambi would fit Cameroon’s playstyle better. Not only would you include all three of the country’s best attackers in one lineup, but Toko Ekambi and Choupo-Moting are both great dribbles and have experience on the wings. Instead of having to choose between two and leaving one out, as Song did against Switzerland, Cameroon can have all three.</p>



<p><em>Photo credit: IMAGO / Sports Press Photo</em></p>


<div style="background:#f9e4ea;padding:10px;">
<h3>Guide to World Cup 2022</h3>
<div style="padding:10px;">
Here are some resources to help you get the most out of the biggest event in soccer!
</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/"><strong>TV Schedule:</strong></a> All the info on <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">where and when to watch</a> every game
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/"><strong>The Groups:</strong></a> We <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/">breakdown each group</a> and all the teams
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<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/"><strong>The Kits:</strong></a> Check out <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/">what every team will be wearing</a> on the field this fall
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/"><strong>Predictor:</strong></a> Play out every scenario with our <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/">World Cup Predictor</a>
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<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/"><strong>World Cup Bracket:</strong></a> Map out the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/">entire tournament</a>, from the groups to the final
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/"><strong>World Cup Hub:</strong></a> Your one stop for <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">everything Qatar 2022</a>
</div>
</div>



<p> </p>


Breel Embolo's sleek finish in the 48th minute doomed Cameroon to a close, albeit disappointing loss. What went wrong?

Cameroon falls flat against Switzerland in 1-0 loss - World Soccer Talk

Cameroon falls flat against Switzerland in 1-0 loss

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<p>Sheffield (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Sweden needed a late winner from substitute Hanna Bennison to close in on a place in the Euro 2022 quarter-finals with a 2-1 win over Switzerland in Sheffield on Wednesday.</p>
<p>Ranked second in the world, Sweden were among the pre-tournament favourites but have so far struggled to hit top gear in England so far.</p>
<p>After a 1-1 draw to open their campaign against defending champions the Netherlands, the Olympic silver medallists were expected to roll over a Swiss side ranked 20th in the world.</p>
<p>Switzerland’s preparations had also been rocked by a sickness bug in the camp that forced them to cancel training on Monday.</p>
<p>But they frustrated the Swedes for 53 minutes at Bramall Lane before Barcelona’s Fridolina Rolfo finished off an excellent team move.</p>
<p>Switzerland hit back within two minutes through a fine finish by Paris Saint-Germain’s Ramona Bachmann.</p>
<p>Peter Gerhardsson was forced to turn to his bench for inspiration and it was one of his subs, Bennison, who scored the winner, with her first international goal 11 minutes from time.</p>
<p>Victory takes Sweden top of Group C, three points clear of the Netherlands and Portugal, who face each other later on Wednesday.</p>
<p>Switzerland now need to beat the Dutch in their final group game to have any hope of reaching the last eight.</p><p></p>

Sweden strike late to break Swiss resistance

Sweden strike late to break Swiss resistance - World Soccer Talk

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<p>Leigh  (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Portugal fought back from conceding twice in the first five minutes to snatch a point from their Euro 2022 opener with a 2-2 draw against Switzerland.</p>
<p>Both sides face an uphill task to reach the knockout stages in a group alongside defending champions the Netherlands and Sweden, who are the highest ranked team in the tournament.</p>
<p>The Swiss looked set to give themselves a shot with a blistering start as Coumba Sow fired in a fine strike before Rahel Kiwic headed in from a free-kick.</p>
<p>Portugal would not even have qualified had it not been for Russia’s expulsion due to the invasion of Ukraine.</p>
<p>But they proved they are not just in England to make up the numbers by scoring twice in seven second half minutes to take a point.</p>
<p>Diana Gomes bundled the ball in on the hour mark and Jessica Silva provided a deft touch to Tatiana Pinto’s cross to level.</p>
<p>The Netherlands and Sweden take centre stage in Sheffield later on Saturday in a repeat of the 2019 World Cup semi-final won by the Dutch.</p><p></p>

Portugal fightback salvages Euro 2022 draw with Switzerland

Portugal fightback salvages Euro 2022 draw with Switzerland - World Soccer Talk

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<p>Geneva (AFP) – Spain registered the first win of their Nations League campaign on Thursday as Pablo Sarabia’s early goal was enough for a 1-0 victory over Switzerland.</p>
<p>Sarabia capitalised on a Swiss error at the back to give Luis Enrique’s side the lead in Geneva and that was enough for the visitors in a game that lacked clear-cut chances.</p>
<p>Spain, though, will be relieved to be up and running, this win coming after they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Portugal and then needed a 90th-minute goal to salvage a 2-2 draw away at the Czech Republic last weekend.</p>
<p>Switzerland, meanwhile, succumbed to a third consecutive loss in the competition after they were beaten 2-1 away by the Czech Republic before being hammered 4-0 by Portugal, as Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice.</p>
<p>Spain are second in Group A2, two points behind Portugal while Switzerland are last, four points adrift of the Czech Republic.</p>
<p>Spain needed a penalty shoot-out to beat the Swiss in the quarter-finals at last year’s Euro 2020 and there was very little in this contest again, even if Spain were the more dominant side in possession.</p>
<p>Sarabia’s goal came after an error by Eray Comert’s heavy touch was also forced by some aggressive Spanish pressing, the loose ball seized upon by Ferran Torres before Marcos Llorente crossed for Sarabia to poke home in the 13th minute.</p>
<p>Neither side really looked like adding another and Switzerland’s best chance came towards the end, as Haris Seferovic beat the offside trap in the 87th minute and looked to be through, only for Unai Simon to rush out and close the space.</p>
<p>Seferovic still managed to steer the ball across for Breel Embolo but he was 30 yards out and the chipped finish drifted wide.</p><p></p>

Sarabia strikes as Spain squeeze past Switzerland

Sarabia strikes as Spain squeeze past Switzerland - World Soccer Talk

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<p>Paris (AFP) – Cristiano Ronaldo marshalled Portugal past Switzerland in the Nations League on Sunday as Gavi made history becoming Spain’s youngest ever scorer.</p>
<p>Ronaldo scored two goals in four first half minutes and had a third ruled offside by VAR as Portugal crushed Switzerland 4-0 in Lisbon.</p>
<p>The Manchester United striker had set up William Carvalho for the opener with Joao Cancelo completing the rout to fire Portugal to the top of League A, Group 2, on goal difference from the Czech Republic.</p>
<p>In Prague, Jakub Pesek put the hosts in front before Gavi levelled with a low curling left-footer at the record age of 17 years and 304 days just before halftime.</p>
<p>Jan Kuchta had the Czechs back in control with a delicate chip but Athletic Bilbao defender Inigo Martinez headed home in the final minute to salvage a 2-2 draw.</p>
<p>“It is wonderful to be able to say that we are disappointed to lose points against Spain,” said Czech captain Tomas Soucek.</p>
<p>“We showed heart and great teamwork. If somebody told us that we would have four points before these two games, we would have taken it. We have started well and look forward to the next games.”</p>
<p>“We lacked fluency so the game was really tough” shrugged Spain coach Luis Enrique.</p>
<p>Martinez conceded it wasn’t Spain’s “finest” match.</p>
<p>“We came away with a point, but the aim was to win. When you don’t win, when you have great difficulties, you come away disappointed.”</p>
<p>Spain reached the final of last year’s Nations League, beating European champions Italy in the semis before losing to France, and they enjoyed a relatively smooth qualification for the World Cup.</p>
<p>But they are now on the back foot in this competition and after their opening 1-1 stalemate with Portugal on Thursday are placed third in the group, two points adrift.</p>
<p>Elsewhere Northern Ireland extended their winless run in the competition to 12 with a drab goalless draw in Cyprus</p>
<p>And Georgia are in command at the top of League C Group 4 after dishing out a 5-2 drubbing to Bulgaria while Manchester City’s new headline signing Erling Haaland produced the goals in Norway’s 2-1 win in Sweden.</p>
<p>The Norwegians top League B, Group 4 after two wins from Serbia, 4-1 winners over Slovenia.</p>
<p>On Monday world champions France have their second run out in Split against Croatia with Kylian Mbappe one of several kep components of Didier Deschamps’ team to skip eve-of-match training.</p>
<p>The Paris Saint-Germain forward&nbsp;came off with a left knee niggle at half-time of Friday’s 2-1 loss by last year’s Nations League winners to Denmark at the Stade de France.</p>
<p>Also missing were Karim Benzema, Kingsley Coman, N’Golo Kanté and Jules Kounde.</p>
<p>“We’ll see about tomorrow (Monday),” Deschamps said on Mbappe’s prospects of turning out against the team Les Bleus defeated to win the 2018 World Cup in Moscow.</p>
<p>Number two keeper Mike Maignan will earn his third call-up in place of Hugo Lloris with Presnel Kimpembe taking the captain’s armband in this League A, Group 1 tie.</p><p></p>

Ronaldo steers Portugal past Switzerland, Spain held in Prague

Ronaldo steers Portugal past Switzerland, Spain held in Prague - World Soccer Talk

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<p>London (AFP) – Harry Kane moved level with Bobby Charlton on England’s list of record goalscorers as the striker’s late penalty secured a 2-1 win against Switzerland in Saturday’s friendly at Wembley.</p>
<p>Kane netted from the spot to reach 49 England goals, moving him ahead of Gary Lineker and into a second place tie with Charlton.</p>
<p>Only Wayne Rooney, with 53 goals, has scored more times for the Three Lions and it would be little surprise if Kane broke the record later this year.</p>
<p>England captain Kane, who made his international debut seven years ago this month, has reached 49 goals in just 68 appearances, while Manchester United legend Charlton took 101 to hit that total.</p>
<p>While Kane admits he would love to break Rooney’s record, it is the World Cup winners’ medal earned by Charlton in 1966 that would mean the most to the Tottenham striker.</p>
<p>He will have a chance to end England’s long wait to get their hands on the trophy in Qatar later this year, but Gareth Southgate’s side still have plenty to work on after this erratic display.</p>
<p>With just eight months until the World Cup gets underway, Southgate used England’s first game of 2022 to experiment and the results were underwhelming for long periods.</p>
<p>Breel Embolo put Switzerland ahead in a first half dominated by the visitors before Luke Shaw’s equaliser.</p>
<p>Kane restored order with his winner but Southgate will hope this was just a rare blip from his Euro 2020 runners-up, who host Ivory Coast in another friendly on Tuesday.</p>
<p>Painfully lethargic in a tame opening, England were punished as Switzerland took the lead in the 22nd minute.</p>
<p>Xherdan Shaqiri whipped in a pin-point cross and Ben White misjudged the flight of the ball as Embolo got behind him, evading the slow to react Kyle Walker-Peters to plant a close-range header past Jordan Pickford.</p>
<p>Even that didn’t shake Southgate’s men from their funk and Fabian Frei’s rising drive from eight yards was tipped onto the crossbar by Pickford.</p>
<p>Southgate had warned it would be wrong to expect too much from a raw side featuring debutants in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi and Southampton right-back Walker-Peters, while Conor Gallagher was making only his second appearance in midfield.</p>
<p>Arsenal’s Ben White replaced John Stones when the Manchester City defender was injured in the pre-match warm-up.</p>
<p>White joined Guehi and Conor Coady in England’s back three and their lack of international experience was often exposed by a lively Swiss side who have also qualified for the World Cup.</p>
<p>Shaqiri’s corner almost caught Pickford napping as it struck the base of the near-post, before the England keeper kept out Ricardo Rodriguez’s powerful strike.</p>
<p>England were so disjointed at the back that Harry Maguire, left on the bench after a poor season with Manchester United, strengthened his case to return without kicking a ball.</p>
<p>Lucky not to be further behind, England equalised in first half stoppage-time.</p>
<p>Frei’s sloppy pass was intercepted by Walker-Peters deep inside his own half and Gallagher’s delivery rolled to the edge of the area, where Shaw smashed a ferocious shot past Jonas Omlin.</p>
<p>Forgettable in the first half, England improved after the interval.</p>
<p>Kane finally got a sight of goal from Gallagher’s pass, but Omlin dashed off his line to block the striker’s shot.</p>
<p>Palace left-back Tyrick Mitchell came on for his debut on the hour in the culmination of a boyhood dream for a player who grew just a few miles from Wembley.</p>
<p>It was a day to remember for Kane as well thanks to his 78th minute winner.</p>
<p>Steven Zuber blocked Guehi’s header with his arm, an offence punished after a VAR check, and Kane stepped up to drill the penalty past Omlin.&nbsp;</p><p></p>


England subdue Swiss as Kane moves closer to goal record - World Soccer Talk

England subdue Swiss as Kane moves closer to goal record

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