Switzerland have beaten Algeria in the World Cup round of 32 at BC Place, booking their spot in the last 16.The Swiss led at half-time after Johan Manzambi’s brilliant run teed up Breel Embolo for a close-range finish inside the opening 10 minutes.
Dan Ndoye then doubled the advantage barely 50 seconds into the second half, after which Algeria struggled to get themselves back into the game and always seemed second best after a bright start.
Switzerland will now face either Colombia or Ghana in the round of 16. First halfThe first half started at a frantic pace, with Algeria looking the brighter side in the opening exchanges and creating the first clear opening in the sixth minute.Belghali’s low delivery picked out Houssem Aouar inside the box, but the midfielder completely miscued his effort before Algeria were denied penalty appeals two minutes later after Manuel Akanji’s challenge on Ramiz Zerrouki was waved away by referee Yael Falcon Perez.
Switzerland weathered the early pressure before striking with their first meaningful attack in the 10th minute. Austria’s attempts were in vain: Rangnick’s team easy prey for SpainJohan Manzambi produced a dazzling run down the left, using his pace and strength to burst into the box before squaring for Breel Embolo , who tapped home from close range to hand the Swiss the lead.
The goal shifted the momentum as Murat Yakin’s side began to grow into the contest.Manzambi remained Switzerland’s biggest threat and was again involved in the 16th minute, delivering another dangerous ball that eventually fell to Denis Zakaria, whose off-balance strike failed to hit the target with the goal at his mercy.Despite falling behind, Algeria continued to dominate possession, enjoying close to 70 percent of the ball midway through the half.
Ibrahim Maza tried his luck from distance in the 18th minute, while Farès Chaïbi continued probing down the left, but Switzerland’s disciplined defensive shape prevented the North Africans from carving out another clear-cut chance.Following the hydration break in the 26th minute, Switzerland looked increasingly dangerous on the counterattack.
Ricardo Rodriguez almost released Embolo with a perfectly weighted pass before Ruben Vargas and Manzambi both threatened without finding the final ball. Algeria, meanwhile, began to run out of ideas as Switzerland closed spaces across midfield and comfortably dealt with attacks before they reached the penalty area.
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The Swiss nearly doubled their advantage in the 38th minute when Zakaria rose highest to meet a well-delivered free-kick, only to head narrowly over the crossbar. Two minutes later, Embolo drifted in front of his marker to meet Dan Ndoye’s inviting cross but guided his effort wide of the near post.
Algeria finished the half strongly and came closest to an equaliser in stoppage time.Ramos stoppage time winner sends Portugal past Croatia into last 16Riyad Mahrez whipped a delightful cross into the box where Aouar brought it under control before Ibrahim Maza’s first-time effort flashed just wide of the post, allowing Switzerland to take their slender advantage into the break.Second half to follow…