Switzerland made history with a composed 2-0 victory over Algeria at BC Place in Vancouver, securing their first FIFA World Cup knockout win in 88 years. Goals from Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye sealed a memorable triumph as Murat Yakin’s side advanced to the last 16, where they will face either Colombia or Ghana.
Yakin named the oldest Swiss starting lineup ever for a World Cup knockout match, with an average age of 29 years and 180 days. He made two changes from the side that defeated Canada 2-1, bringing Denis Zakaria in at right back for the injured Luca Jaquez, while Dan Ndoye replaced Djibril Sow on the right wing.
Granit Xhaka reached another major milestone by earning his 150th international cap, becoming the 49th player in men’s football to achieve the feat, while both Xhaka and Ricardo Rodriguez made their 16th World Cup appearances.
Algeria head coach Vladimir Petkovic made three changes following his team’s dramatic 3-3 draw with Austria. Alexandre Oukidja Zidane returned in goal ahead of Benbot, Rayan Ait Nouri replaced Hadjam at left back, and Ramiz Zerrouki came into midfield.
Switzerland made the brighter start and needed just 10 minutes to take the lead. Johan Manzambi produced another moment of brilliance, driving forward from inside the Algeria half before bursting into the penalty area. The 20 year old kept the ball in play brilliantly and squared a perfect pass for Embolo, who calmly tapped home from close range to make it 1-0.
The assist continued Manzambi’s outstanding tournament. Already the scorer of three goals, the young playmaker registered his second assist of the World Cup and became the first Swiss player ever to be directly involved in five goals during a single edition of the tournament.
Five minutes later, Manzambi almost created another goal. He floated an excellent cross toward the far post, where Remo Freuler arrived, but the midfielder failed to make clean contact with his effort.
Switzerland carried their momentum into the second half and doubled their lead just 48 seconds after the restart. Algeria failed to clear a dangerous cross, allowing Ndoye to collect the loose ball on the edge of the box. The Nottingham Forest winger took one touch before calmly guiding his finish into the far corner to make it 2-0.
The second goal also extended an impressive Swiss record. They are now unbeaten in their last 12 World Cup matches when scoring first, a run stretching back to a 2-1 defeat against Spain in 1966.
Algeria tried to respond quickly. In the 50th minute, Belghali raced down the right wing before delivering a dangerous low cross into the area. Riyad Mahrez met it first time, but a perfectly timed block from the Swiss defence denied the captain what looked like a certain goal.
Switzerland entered the match having won only one of their previous 12 major tournament knockout games inside 90 minutes, a 2-0 victory over Italy at Euro 2024. However, they never looked like letting this opportunity slip as they controlled the tempo and limited Algeria’s attacking threat.
The Swiss almost added a third goal in the 75th minute. A clearance dropped kindly for Fabian Rieder inside the box, but Belghali threw himself in the way to produce an important block. All nine of Switzerland’s World Cup goals had come from inside the penalty area before the match, and they continued to create dangerous openings.
A glorious chance to seal the contest arrived in the 81st minute. Zakaria combined brilliantly with Xhaka before firing a low cross across the six yard box. Embolo and the goalkeeper both missed the ball, leaving Rieder with an open goal at the far post. However, the midfielder could only connect with his heel, sending the effort straight into the grateful hands of the goalkeeper.
Algeria struggled to break down the disciplined Swiss defence throughout the second half. Their difficult record against European opposition at the World Cup also continued. Since defeating West Germany 2-1 in their first ever World Cup match, the Fennecs have failed to win any of their next nine World Cup meetings with European teams, drawing four and losing five.
The victory added more history for Switzerland. They have now won three consecutive World Cup matches for the first time and have scored in six straight World Cup games for the first time in their history.
When the final whistle sounded, Switzerland celebrated a landmark achievement. A brilliant assist from Manzambi set up Embolo’s opener before Ndoye’s clinical finish immediately after half time put the result beyond doubt. After waiting 88 years for another World Cup knockout victory, the Swiss march confidently into the last 16 and will remain in Vancouver for a third consecutive match, where Colombia or Ghana await in what promises to be another fascinating test.
