Switzerland finally ended a long wait in the World Cup knockout stage, beating Algeria with confidence to claim their first victory in this phase since 1938.
Breel Embolo gave Murat Yakin’s team the ideal start in Vancouver, scoring in the 10th minute after excellent work from Johan Manzambi on the flank. The Freiburg youngster showed quick feet and control to get past Aissa Mandi before cutting the ball back perfectly for Embolo, who finished from close range with Zidane stranded.
Switzerland tightened their grip immediately after the restart. Just 46 seconds into the second half, Dan Ndoye struck inside the box to make it 2 to 0 and leave Algeria with a mountain to climb. It was also a rare scoring landmark for the Swiss, who had not netted more than once in a World Cup knockout match since their famous 7 to 5 quarter final defeat against Austria in 1954.
Algeria had a short spell of pressure before half time, but their best chance came through Fares Chaibi, whose weak effort was comfortably held by Gregor Kobel. After that, Switzerland controlled the contest with discipline.
Granit Xhaka marked his 150th international appearance with another composed midfield display, but the brightest spark was Manzambi. After scoring three times in the group stage, his assist took him to five direct goal involvements at this World Cup. According to Opta, no Swiss player has reached that total since detailed records began in 1966. At 20 years and 261 days, he is also the youngest player from any country to do so in that period.
Fabian Rieder missed a late chance for a third, but Switzerland had comfortably done enough. They now move into the last 16 for a fourth straight World Cup and will face either Colombia or Ghana on 7 July.
