Switzerland ended an 88-year wait for a FIFA World Cup knockout-stage victory after beating Algeria 2-0 in Vancouver to secure a place in the last 16.
Goals from Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye sealed a commanding performance for Murat Yakin’s side, who produced one of their most convincing displays of the tournament to advance to the next round.
The Swiss took control in the 10th minute through Embolo after an outstanding run by 20-year-old winger Johan Manzambi. The Freiburg youngster skipped past his marker before delivering a perfectly timed cutback that left the Rennes striker with a simple finish.
Switzerland doubled their advantage just 46 seconds into the second half when Nottingham Forest forward Ndoye calmly slotted home from inside the penalty area, leaving Algeria with a mountain to climb.
Algeria briefly threatened before the break in search of a historic first World Cup knockout victory. Their best opportunity fell to Fares Chaibi, but his effort was comfortably gathered by goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. The North Africans struggled to create meaningful chances after the restart as Switzerland controlled the contest.
The victory marked Switzerland’s first World Cup knockout win since defeating Germany in 1938 and their first time scoring more than once in a knockout match since the famous 7-5 quarter-final defeat to Austria at the 1954 tournament.
Captain Granit Xhaka celebrated his 150th appearance for Switzerland with another composed midfield display. The experienced midfielder dictated the tempo throughout, helping his side dominate possession and limit Algeria’s attacking threat.
Manzambi, however, stole much of the spotlight. Already on three goals in the group stage, the 20-year-old registered his second assist of the tournament and became the first Swiss player since detailed World Cup records began in 1966 to be directly involved in five goals at a single tournament. At just 20 years and 261 days old, he is also the youngest player from any nation to achieve that feat.
Switzerland nearly added a third goal late in the match when substitute Fabian Rieder missed a clear opportunity from close range, but the comfortable victory was already enough to book their place in the next round.
The Swiss have now reached the World Cup last 16 for a fourth consecutive tournament and will face the winner of the Colombia versus Ghana clash on July 7 at BC Place, Vancouver, as they continue their bid for a historic run at the FIFA World Cup.
