Switzerland secured a place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after defeating Algeria 2-0 in their Round of 32 clash at BC Place in Vancouver, ending an 88-year wait for a knockout-stage victory at the tournament.
Goals from Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye ensured Murat Yakin’s side overcame Algeria to record their first World Cup knockout win since 1938.
Algeria started the match brightly and looked the more threatening side in the opening minutes, but Switzerland struck first against the run of play in the 10th minute. Breel Embolo finished off a well-worked move after a surging run and cross from Manzambi to hand the Swiss an early advantage.
Switzerland wasted no time extending their lead after the restart. Just a minute into the second half, Nottingham Forest winger Dan Ndoye calmly slotted home to make it 2-0, putting the Europeans firmly in control.
Algeria struggled to break down Switzerland’s disciplined defence, with former Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez largely kept quiet throughout the contest. His best chance came in the 50th minute, but his effort was brilliantly blocked by his former City teammate, Manuel Akanji.
The Swiss dominated the remainder of the game and could have added a third goal late on, but substitute Fabian Rieder somehow missed an open goal from close range in the 81st minute.
Despite the missed opportunity, Switzerland comfortably saw out the game to seal a memorable victory and bring an end to decades of disappointment in the World Cup knockout stages.
The result sends Switzerland into the Round of 16, where they will face the winner of the tie between Colombia and Ghana in Vancouver as they continue their quest for a historic World Cup run.
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