The Manchester City defender claimed that the Serbs began to provoke the Swiss players from the start. Eleven yellow cards were issued during the game, with Serbian players receiving seven and Switzerland receiving four. The Swiss came from behind to win 3-2 and advance to the World Cup knockout stage.
Following the game, Akanji told GOAL and SPOX: “The Serbs wanted to provoke us. They said a few things right away, and then some things came back. So I’m overjoyed that we won and that they can now go on vacation.”
He continued, “I ran forward from the halfway line, trying to calm the players down. I told my teammates, “We’re going to the round of 16; no stupid yellow or red cards.” That only makes us weaker. They’ve got nothing to lose.”
On December 6, Switzerland will face Portugal in the round of 16.