Xherdan Shaqiri, already a well-known name in international soccer, made history again by becoming the first Major League Soccer (MLS) player to score at Euro 2024. Playing for Chicago Fire, the Swiss midfielder showed once again why he is considered one of the attractive names of his generation, saving his team from defeat and keeping Switzerland's hopes of qualifying for the tournament alive.
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In their group match against Scotland, Switzerland were in trouble after conceding an early goal. However, 25 minutes into the first half, Shaqiri took advantage of a crucial mistake by Ralston, who, in trying to get the ball back to the goalkeeper, ended up giving it to the Swiss star on a plate on the edge of the box. Without hesitation, Shaqiri hit a precise, powerful shot into the top corner, leveling the match and becoming the first MLS player to score in the Euros.
This goal was not only a historic milestone for the MLS, but also a significant moment in Shaqiri's career. It was his 32nd international goal. Since his debut for the Swiss national team in 2010, he has amassed 124 appearances, being a central figure in important tournaments such as the World Cup and the Eurocup. With this goal, he became the first player to score in the last three editions of these tournaments, a remarkable achievement that highlights his consistency and skill at decisive moments.
Since joining the Chicago Fire in February 2022, Shaqiri has brought his experience and skill from Europe, where he played for elite clubs such as Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Liverpool. His impact in the MLS was immediate, with 14 goals and 18 assists in 69 games, the number could have been higher had it not been for injuries.
In the game against Scotland, Shaqiri not only scored a crucial goal, but also showed impressive accuracy with an 85% pass rate during the 60 minutes he was on the pitch. His performance puts the name of the Chicago Fire and the MLS on the global soccer stage.