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‘Crappy feeling’ as brothers face off

LENS — European Championship history is set to be made tonight when Granit Xhaka plays for Switzerland against his brother, Taulant Xhaka, in Albania’s colours.

LENS — European Championship history is set to be made tonight when Granit Xhaka plays for Switzerland against his brother, Taulant Xhaka, in Albania’s colours.

The close siblings have been dreading facing off in their opening Group A match since the draw for Euro 2016 was made.

“It’s a crappy feeling. That was the last thing we wanted,” said new Arsenal star Granit, 23, who is 18 months younger than Taulant.

Taulant, 25, has a reputation as a midfield hardman and plies his trade with FC Basel. But he said he will not “put him through the mill” when asked about facing his high-profile brother.

It promises to be a tense occasion for the Xhaka family, who will face a quandary over who to support.

Four sets of brothers will play at Euro 2016, including Belgium’s Romelu and Jordan Lukaku, and Northern Ireland’s Corry and Jonny Evans, with Russia’s Vasili and Aleksei Berezutski the only twins. But the Xhaka siblings are set to become the first brothers to play against each other in a European Championship finals.

“Anyone in a similar situation, who says it’s not a special game, is a liar,” said Granit.

“For the 90 minutes, we’ll blend out the fact we’re brothers as professionals. May the best man win.”

But who will their parents support come kick-off on Sunday: Switzerland or Albania?

“That’s very easy: One hand claps for Switzerland, the other for Albania,” said Granit, diplomatically. AFP

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