Switzerland finally put an end to nearly nine decades of World Cup knockout frustration after a composed 2-0 win over Algeria in Vancouver booked their place in the last 16.
Goals from Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye sealed a historic victory for Murat Yakin’s side, marking Switzerland’s first knockout-stage win at the World Cup in 88 years.
Having lost each of their previous seven knockout matches in the competition, the Swiss arrived with history hanging over them. But this time, they looked calm, clinical, and determined to rewrite the script.
Algeria started brightly and looked the sharper side in the opening exchanges, with Riyad Mahrez showing flashes of danger. However, despite their positive start, they failed to make their early pressure count.
That proved costly.
In the 10th minute, Switzerland struck with their first real chance. A driving run and dangerous delivery from Manzambi found Embolo in the box, and the striker made no mistake, firing home to give the Europeans the lead.
The goal shifted the momentum firmly in Switzerland’s favour as they began to control the game and frustrate Algeria’s attacking threats.
The second half could not have started any better for the Swiss. Just one minute after the restart, Nottingham Forest winger Ndoye doubled the lead with a well-taken finish, putting Switzerland firmly in command and leaving Algeria with a mountain to climb.
Mahrez nearly gave Algeria a lifeline in the 50th minute, but his effort was brilliantly blocked by his former Manchester City teammate Manuel Akanji.
From there, Switzerland managed the game professionally, limiting Algeria’s opportunities and looking dangerous on the break.
Substitute Fabian Rieder had the chance to make it 3-0 late on, but somehow missed from point-blank range — the only blemish on an otherwise near-perfect night for the Swiss.
For Algeria, it was a disappointing end to their World Cup campaign after showing promise in spells but lacking the cutting edge when it mattered most.
For Switzerland, the reward is a place in the last 16, where they will face either Colombia national football team or Ghana national football team in Vancouver next Tuesday.
After 88 years of waiting, Swiss football finally has its knockout moment.
