Sunderland duo Robin Roefs and Granit Xhaka relish World Cup starts with Netherlands and Switzerland | OneFootball

Sunderland duo Robin Roefs and Granit Xhaka have spoken of their excitement ahead of World Cup group openers for the Netherlands and Switzerland. For Roefs, the North American tournament is his first as a senior international, while Xhaka is preparing for a fourth.

Switzerland begin against Qatar on Saturday night. The Netherlands open their Group F campaign on Sunday evening.

“It’s a huge thing for me and something I have dreamt of since I was a kid. I have watched so many games of the national team during the World Cup and the Euros in the past with my friends and family, so for me to be a part of it now is amazing.” He told the club’s official website.

“It’s been a crazy 18 months for me.”

The 33-year-old Switzerland captain looks set to add to 146 senior caps.

“I’m very excited. It’s another tournament for myself and it’s always special to wear the shirt.”

“It’s great to captain the team. We respect everyone in our group, but we have the quality to play a good tournament.”

Switzerland’s group also includes hosts Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina, while the Netherlands face Sweden, Tunisia and Japan alongside Brian Brobbey and Lutsharel Geertruida.

Also involved are Wilson Isidor (Haiti), Omar Alderete (Paraguay), Chemsdine Talbi (Morocco), Habib Diarra (Senegal), Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast), Nilson Angulo (Ecuador), and Noah Sadiki and Arthur Masuaku (DR Congo).

Source: Sunderland Echo