Switzerland are through to the World Cup last 16 after a 2-0 win over Algeria at BC Place in Vancouver. Breel Embolo scored in the 10th minute and Dan Ndoye added a second just after half-time to secure Switzerland’s first World Cup knockout victory in 88 years.
The result ended a run of seven straight Swiss eliminations in knockout matches at the tournament. Algeria started brightly but could not turn that spell into a goal, while Riyad Mahrez’s clearest opening in the 50th minute was blocked by Manuel Aknaji.
Switzerland might have won by a wider margin, but substitute Fabian Rieder missed a late open-goal chance. Johan Manzambi also stood out again, setting up Embolo’s opener and continuing a tournament in which he has recorded three goals and two assists.
Murat Yakin’s side will now stay in Vancouver to face either Colombia or Ghana in the last 16. For editors, the key angle is whether this was a breakthrough performance that changes expectations around Switzerland, or simply a controlled win against an Algeria side that failed to take early chances.
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