Sunderland star makes World Cup history as Omar Alderete suffers 4-1 United States loss | OneFootball

Sunderland experienced mixed fortunes on the World Cup stage, as Xhaka set a Swiss record and Omar Alderete endured a heavy defeat.

Sunderland Echo notes that four Black Cats featured across Saturday's action. Xhaka captained Switzerland in their Group B opener with Qatar, Breel Embolo put them ahead from the spot before Boualem Khoukhi headed a stoppage-time equaliser.

Xhaka earned his 147th cap and, alongside Ricardo Rodriguez, set a Swiss record with a 13th appearance at a major tournament. Switzerland next face Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Chemsdine Talbi made his World Cup debut as Morocco drew 1-1 with Brazil at MetLife Stadium. Ismael Saibari opened the scoring before Brazil levelled before half-time, with Vinicius Jr providing the decisive quality. Talbi came on in the second half as Morocco protected an impressive point.

Wilson Isidor started for Haiti, whose first World Cup appearance in 52 years ended in a 1-0 defeat to Scotland at Boston Stadium. The Sunderland forward played 76 minutes, John McGinn's deflected effort after 28 minutes settled it. Frantzdy Pierrot headed wide five minutes from time, and Haiti now face Brazil next Saturday at 1.30am BST.

Omar Alderete completed the full match as Paraguay fell 4-1 to co-hosts the United States. An early Damian Bobadilla own goal was followed by two Folarin Balogun strikes either side of half-time. Mauricio pulled one back after the break, before Sunderland-born Gio Reyna sealed it late on.

Paraguay will aim to respond against Türkiye in their next Group D fixture.

Source: Sunderland Echo