Switzerland ended 88 years of World Cup knockout pain with a 2-0 victory over Algeria in Vancouver, goals from Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye setting up a Round of 16 meeting with either Colombia or Ghana.
Embolo opened the scoring in the tenth minute, with Johan Manzambi bursting forward with a mazy run down the left channel before crossing for Embolo to turn in from close range. Switzerland were off the blocks rapidly after half-time, with Ndoye finding the net in the 46th minute with a low drive from the edge of the box after Rafik Belghali’s clearance fell straight to him.
Algerian captain Riyad Mahrez could have pulled a goal back moments later after Ndoye’s strike, but he fired straight at a defender from a central position, summing up a frustrating evening for the Algerians. Algeria enjoyed more possession in Vancouver at 56 per cent, but the superiority of Switzerland’s attacking play was highlighted by their expected goals of 2.52 compared to Algeria’s 0.73.
Algeria’s wait for that maiden victory in a World Cup knockout game will continue for another four years at the very least. Their exit reduces Africa’s remaining presence in the tournament to three: Morocco, Egypt, and Ghana, all of whom face their Round of 16 fixtures in the coming days.
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