Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin has confirmed that Manuel Akanji will no longer be part of the team’s penalty-taking options after the Inter Milan defender missed his spot kick during their dramatic FIFA World Cup Round of 16 victory over Colombia.
Akanji was the only Swiss player to miss in the penalty shootout, sending his effort over the crossbar. However, Switzerland recovered from the setback after goalkeeper Gregor Kobel made a crucial save before Rubin Vargas converted the decisive penalty to seal their place in the quarter-finals, where they will face Argentina.
Yakin revealed after the match that Akanji had already informed him of his decision to step away from penalty responsibilities following another difficult miss from the spot at a major international tournament.
The Swiss coach acknowledged the defender’s disappointment but praised his leadership, consistency, and overall contribution to the national team, stressing that the missed penalty does not reduce his importance to the squad.
“It is completely excluded now. Manu did so many things right on the field, but he probably overestimated himself in the penalty shootout,” Yakin said in comments reported by Danish outlet Bold.
Akanji’s Nigerian heritage has remained a notable part of his football story. Born in Switzerland to a Nigerian father and Swiss mother, the defender was eligible to represent both nations before choosing to commit his international future to Switzerland.
