Switzerland End 88-Year World Cup Knockout Drought With 2-0 Win Over Algeria
Switzerland will now face the winner of the last-32 clash between Colombia and Ghana in Tuesday’s round-of-16 match in Vancouver.
Dan Ndoye doubled Switzerland's lead with an early second-half strike as the Nottingham Forest winger helped secure a 2-0 victory over Algeria. Photo/Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
Switzerland ended nearly nine decades of frustration in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup with a commanding 2-0 victory over Algeria on Friday, securing a place in the round of 16.
Goals from Breel Embolo in the 10th minute and Dan Ndoye just after halftime gave Murat Yakin’s side its first knockout victory at the tournament in 88 years. The result also snapped a run of seven consecutive eliminations in World Cup knockout matches.
Switzerland will now face the winner of the last-32 clash between Colombia and Ghana in Tuesday’s round-of-16 match in Vancouver.
Algeria started brightly and looked the more threatening side in the opening minutes but failed to capitalize on early pressure. Switzerland gradually settled into the contest and struck first through Embolo.
The breakthrough came after an impressive run down the flank by Johan Manzambi, whose low cross found Embolo inside the penalty area. The striker made no mistake, steering the ball past the Algerian goalkeeper to give Switzerland the lead.
The Swiss doubled their advantage less than a minute into the second half when Nottingham Forest winger Dan Ndoye finished clinically after Algeria failed to clear the danger, leaving the North Africans with a mountain to climb.
Algeria struggled to create clear-cut chances for much of the match as Switzerland’s disciplined defense kept former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez largely quiet. Mahrez’s best opportunity arrived in the 50th minute, but his effort was blocked by Swiss defender Manuel Akanji.
Switzerland controlled possession for long spells and looked comfortable protecting its two-goal advantage.
The only blemish on an otherwise polished display came in the closing stages when substitute Fabian Rieder squandered a golden chance to extend the lead, missing an open goal after Switzerland carved open the Algerian defense.
One of the standout performers was 20-year-old winger Johan Manzambi, who continued his impressive World Cup campaign with another influential display.
The Freiburg attacker created Embolo’s opening goal with a powerful run and precise delivery, taking his tournament tally to five goal involvements, including three goals and two assists. His pace, direct running and creativity repeatedly troubled the Algerian back line and strengthened his growing reputation as one of the tournament’s emerging stars.
With confidence growing after ending their long knockout drought, Switzerland will head into the last 16 seeking another landmark victory as they continue their pursuit of a first World Cup title.
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