Switzerland ended an 88-year wait for a FIFA World Cup knockout victory after defeating Algeria 2-0 to book their place in the Round of 16.
Goals from Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye ensured Murat Yakin’s side progressed with ease in Vancouver, recording their first knockout-stage win at the tournament since overcoming Germany in 1938.
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The Swiss wasted little time asserting their dominance, taking the lead in the 10th minute through Embolo. The striker was perfectly placed to convert after an impressive run and cutback from Johan Manzambi, whose brilliant wing play carved open the Algerian defence.
Switzerland carried their momentum into the second half, doubling their advantage just 46 seconds after the restart. Nottingham Forest winger Dan Ndoye calmly finished from close range to put the result beyond doubt and leave Algeria with a mountain to climb.
Algeria enjoyed a brief spell before halftime and came closest through Fares Chaibi, but his tame effort was comfortably gathered by goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. They struggled to create clear-cut chances thereafter as Switzerland’s organised defence comfortably saw out the contest.
Fabian Rieder nearly added a third late in the match but failed to make clean contact with the goal at his mercy.
The victory sends Switzerland into the World Cup Round of 16 for a fourth consecutive tournament. They will now face either Colombia or Ghana for a place in the quarter-finals.
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