Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye scored as Switzerland eased past Algeria to secure their first FIFA World Cup knockout-stage victory since 1938 and book a place in the last 16.
Switzerland made a bright start in Vancouver and took the lead after just 10 minutes through Embolo. The goal came from an impressive run by Freiburg winger Johan Manzambi, who beat his marker on the flank before delivering a precise cutback for the Rennes forward to finish from close range.
The Swiss doubled their advantage just 46 seconds into the second half when Nottingham Forest winger Dan Ndoye calmly slotted home from inside the penalty area, putting Murat Yakin’s side firmly in control.
It marked the first time Switzerland had scored more than once in a World Cup knockout match since their dramatic 7-5 quarter-final defeat to Austria in 1954.
Algeria, chasing their first-ever victory in the knockout stages of the tournament, enjoyed spells of possession before the interval but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. Their best chance fell to Fares Chaibi, whose tame effort was comfortably gathered by Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. The North Africans offered little attacking threat after the break.
Switzerland’s victory also ended a decades-long wait for a knockout-stage triumph. Their last came against Germany in the 1938 World Cup round of 16, before the competition adopted its modern group-stage format.
The Swiss came close to adding a third goal late in the game when Fabian Rieder found himself unmarked at the back post, but he failed to make clean contact with the ball, allowing Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane to make a routine save.
The result sends Switzerland into the last 16 for the fourth consecutive World Cup, where they will face the winners of the Colombia-Ghana tie on July 7 at BC Place in Vancouver.
Manzambi shines for Switzerland
The match also marked Granit Xhaka’s 150th appearance for Switzerland, and the experienced captain once again underlined his importance with a composed midfield display that kept Algeria under control.
While Xhaka provided leadership and stability, 20-year-old Johan Manzambi supplied the creativity that unlocked the Algerian defence.
His brilliant run and assist for Embolo’s opener highlighted his growing reputation, as he beat defender Aïssa Mandi before delivering a perfectly weighted pass that left Embolo with a simple finish.
Having already scored three goals during the group stage, Manzambi’s assist took his direct goal contributions at the tournament to five. According to Opta, he is the first Swiss player to be directly involved in five World Cup goals since detailed records began in 1966.
At 20 years and 261 days old, he is also the youngest player from any nation to achieve that feat during the same period.
With performances continuing to attract attention, the exciting Freiburg winger is enhancing his reputation on football’s biggest stage and could soon become a target for some of Europe’s leading clubs.