Switzerland's Granit Xhaka 'aiming for quarter-finals'

Switzerland's midfielder Granit Xhaka celebrates with teammates midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri (L) and midfielder Gokhan Inler after he scored the team's second goal during the Euro 2016 qualifying football match between Switzerland and Estonia at the Swisspo
© Getty Images
Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka says that his team should be aiming "to make it to the quarter-finals" at Euro 2016.

Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka has claimed that his team should be aiming "to make it to the quarter-finals" at Euro 2016.

Vladimir Petkovic's side will open their Group A campaign against Albania on Saturday afternoon and will also face Romania and France for a spot in the last-16 stage of the competition.

Xhaka, who joined Arsenal this summer, has insisted that Switzerland 'will not underestimate Albania and Romania', but should be looking to make the quarter-finals for the first time.

"I agree with those who say France are the favourites, but we cannot underestimate Albania and Romania either. They made a lot of progress last year. Albania are taking part for the first time, while Romania are very good defensively and have not lost in years. It's an interesting group," Xhaka told reporters.

"Our first priority is definitely to make it through the group stage. After that you need to have a bit of luck with the draw, but I think with the team we have, we should be able to make it to the quarter-finals."

Switzerland exited in the group stages of both Euro 2004 and Euro 2008.

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