The Chicago Fire’s chances of participating in the MLS playoffs are now slim. Xherdan Shaqiri is the bearer of hope.
legend:
He wants to move up with Chicago
Xherdan Shaqiri.
Imago/Ciba USA
The number of years under his belt is increasing, but his little foot is still as good as ever: with a brilliant shot after a deft reception from the outside, Xherdan Shaqiri put the ball into the net against Belarus last Sunday.
Then the Swiss team collapsed and only avoided embarrassment when the score was 3-3 at the extreme, but Shaqiri’s level is indisputable. The 32-year-old was one of the best Swiss players on the pitch in St. Gallen.
23.8%: Victory and support are required
From the point of view of his club Chicago Fire, a strong Shaqiri is also needed this weekend: the Illinois club is fighting for a spot in the playoffs on “Decision Day”, the final day of the MLS regular season. From Saturday to Sunday.
The marks are mediocre at best. The US platform only recognizes a 23.8% chance. Sports club statistics Chicago too. In the Eastern Conference, there are 4 other teams competing for the last two places in the Top 9. Shaqiri’s team starts from the worst position. In addition to the win over New York City, the Fire also need shooting help.
Victory thanks to the “Swiss Four”
Chicago had the matter in its hands to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2017 and for only the third time in the last 11 years.
Players like Shaqiri and other big earners are expected to carry the team on bad days.
With a famous 4-1 win in front of a record crowd at home against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami (the Argentine star was absent due to injury), the Fire secured a ‘match point’ against direct rivals Charlotte. Like compatriot Marin Haile Selassie, Shaqiri contributed two goals and also produced a solid performance based on the stats.
Lack of intensity in Chicago
But in the return match against Charlotte, the stars around Chicago’s highest-paid Shaqiri in particular were no longer performing, and the score was 0-2. “They played harder than us and scored two goals from two chances,” the Swiss summed up their disappointment afterwards.
He stressed: “You should be able to expect players like Shaqiri and other big earners to carry the team on bad days.” Chicago Sun-Times Then the expectations of the national team player. He will also be challenged again on the final match day. The amazing curling goal is sure to help Chicago in the Mission Playoffs.
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