It’s a battle of Kosovars as Albania takes on Switzerland

Most of the Albanians in Switzerland are children of refugees who fled Kosovo during the Yugoslav wars (a lot of which is blamed on former Serbian president Milosevic.) Kosovo is a disputed territory in the Balkans, that is or is not a part of Serbia depending on who you listen to. Taulant Xhaka and his younger brother Granit Xhaka will face off against each other as Switzerland take on Albania at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis Stadium.

“For everyone it seems to be done and dusted, France first and Switzerland second”. He is the leading scorer in the Switzerland squad and scored four times during the qualifying campaign as well as providing five assists.

Since qualifying for Euro 2016 Albania have played six friendlies, of which they have only won two against Luxembourg and Qatar.

“There are single players in my squad who have experienced greater success but we hope to make people talk about us even a couple of years from now”. “For both, it will be a special match”.

The Stoke City winger was born in Yugoslavia to Kosovan/Albanian parents and emigrated to Switzerland when he was just one. It will be allowed to be part of the World Cup qualifiers, which start in September, although current Federation Internationale de Football Association advice to UEFA indicates that Kosovo-eligible players with other national teams will be barred from switching allegiance.

Other national teams, including those from Belgium, Finland, Germany and Norway, could also be affected by Kosovo’s new status.

Switzerland’s first test comes against Albania in a match that will see Xhaka go head-to-head against his brother, Taulant. A strong defense is built around veteran midfielder Lorik Cana, a Kosovar who is Albania’s best-known player after stints across Europe. He now plays for French side Nantes.

“We can’t hide from the fact that it will be a unusual atmosphere and the Albanian supporters will really want their team to win the game, just as our supporters want us to win it”.

The bookmakers, however, expect this to be a low-scoring game with under 2.5 goals offered at 9/20 (1.45) and Switzerland’s record at the European Championships shows why.

“Our first priority is definitely to make it through the group stage”.

The 23-year-old warned that his side must not underestimate Group A opponents Albania and Romania, as they look to reach the knock-out stages of the tournament for the first time.