= Muslim Shaqiri Hat-trick Revives Swiss Hope

http://www.onislam.net/english/news/europe/474257-muslim-shaqiri-hat-trick-revives-swiss-hope.html Muslim Shaqiri Hat-trick Revives Swiss Hope

CAIRO – Switzerland’s Muslim Xherdan Shaqiri scored three times on Wednesday, June 25, against Honduras, securing the Swiss a place in the second round of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. “We knew that we were going to show great football today,” Shaqiri, a Bayern Munich winger, was quoted by the Daily Breeze after the match. “For us, this has been really a dream to be in the World Cup, small Switzerland in the World Cup.” Read Also: Muslim Players in Brazil World Cup Muslim Stars to Shine in Brazil World Cup Black Muslim Stars to Shine in Brazil 2014 2014 World Cup Brazil (Special Coverage) The talented young player scores two goals in the first half of the match, followed by a third in the second half. The Swiss finished with six points from three matches, one behind group winner France, which drew 0-0 with Ecuador. Switzerland and Honduras played each other at the World Cup in South Africa exactly four years ago, on June 25, 2010, but that match ended in a 0-0 draw and both teams were eliminated. The Bayern Munich star hat-trick helped his nation book a last-16 tie with Lionel Messi's Argentina at the World Cup. “We are really anxious for that. We also know that we are not the favorites for the match, but we are going to try for victory,” Shaqiri said. “Getting to the round of 16, everything is possible. You never know.” The 22-year-old Shaqiri was born in Yugoslavia from Albanian origin. The Muslim footballer plays as a midfielder for Bayern Munich in the German Bundesliga. Since his breakthrough into Basel’s first team, the left-footed midfielder has drawn widespread praise for his speed, both on and off the ball. Shaqiri won the 2012–13 UEFA Champions League title with Bayern in late May, as well as the Bundesliga and the DFB Pokal title, making him one of the Bayern Munich players to have won the treble. Related Links: Muslim Muntari Gives Money to Brazil’s Poor Mesut Ozil Wishes Muslims Happy Mawlid “I Don't Drink Because I'm Muslim” Ramadan Fast Colors Spain's La Liga Muslims Lead FC Barcelona in La Liga