Switzerland 2-1 Canada: Co-hosts through to World Cup knockouts despite defeat | OneFootball

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Co-hosts Canada qualified for the World Cup knockout stages for the first time in their history, despite missing the chance to top Group B in their 2-1 defeat to Switzerland in Vancouver.

Second half goals from Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi proved enough to seal victory – and top spot – for Yakin Murat’s men, who are also through, before Promise David pulled one back late on.

Having needed just a draw to seal home advantage in their last 32 match, Canada now face a trip Los Angeles in what will be a bitter blow for Jesse Marsch’s side despite making the knockout stages for the first time.

As it happened

Canada started brightly and Richie Laryea almost had a chance within 30 seconds, but Gregor Kobel easily gathered Cyle Larin’s lofted ball into the penalty area.

But it was Switzerland who had the first clear opportunity of the game.

Breel Embolo managed to get goal side of Laryea to leave himself one-on-one with Maxime Crepeau, only to fire his effort straight at the Canada keeper before Johan Manzambi’s follow-up was blocked by Derek Cornelius.

Embolo had a second effort at Crepeau’s goal minutes later, a driven, powerful strike which was easily dealt with by the Orlando City shot stopper.

Manzambi then managed to break into the box following a searing run, but produced an embarrassing swan dive when he realised the shooting opportunity had passed.

In what was fast becoming an end-to-end encounter Tajon Buchanan failed to get on the end of a promising Canadian free kick, before Cyle Larin had a tame shot easily saved by Kobel from close range.

Ruben Vargas, making a record extending 15th appearance in the World Cup for Switzerland, could’ve marked the occasion with a goal, but left himself a tight shooting angle following an unnecessary touch.

At the other end Ali Ahmed had Canada’s best chance of the first half five minutes before the interval following some lovely interplay in the final third, but like Larin couldn’t generate enough power on his attempt to beat Kobel.

Jonathan David then had his own chance to break the deadlock on the stroke of half time. The Juventus forward linked up well with Buchanan, but failed to apply the finishing touch as he blazed wide from the edge of Switzerland’s 18 yard box.

Vargas eventually got his celebratory goal just 40 seconds after the restart, smashing home from a low Manzambi cross on the right hand side after the Freiburg starlet did well to outmuscle his man.

Manzambi got the goal his performance deserved less than 15 minutes later, the 20-year-old-firing a low drive past Maxime Cepreau from the edge of the area after being found in acres of space by Embolo.

It was the towering 21-year-old’s third goal in two group stage matches on his first full start of the tournament that his brace against Bosnia merited last time out.

Canada’s number one managed to make contact with the ball, but somehow couldn’t keep it out.

Marsch’s side improved after the Swiss second, with substitute Liam Millar looking a livewire following his introduction and David having a good opportunity blocked in the penalty area.

And they eventually pulled one back through David. The Anderlecht forward hammered home with his first touch courtesy of sublime skill from Nathan Saliba, controlling the ball beautifully and whipping a great cross in from the left.

Now sensing blood, Canada continued to push for the second and almost equalised through Derek Cornelius, but the centre back could only guide his header wide after being left unmarked in the penalty area.

Promise and Cornelius went close again with further chances in stoppage time, but both failed to take advantage of inviting balls from Alistair Johnston.

Johnston and Promise had golden chances to snatch a last ditch leveller with seconds left, but Switzerland held on to ensure they stayed in Vancouver at the hosts’ expense.

Analysis: Swiss experience tells as Canada spurn chance to top group

Switzerland have made five consecutive World Cups after ending a 28 year drought in 2010, and that experience told as they secured what was ultimately a comfortable win against their opponents.

Both sides struggled to create chances in a low-key first half, but after taking the initiative through Vargas’ and Manzambi’s goals in the second 45 the Swiss were full value for their victory, despite Promise giving the hosts hope late on.

Given their recent tournament pedigree Murak’s side are well aware of how to close out knockout stage qualification, and that nous was on full display as the Swiss defence stood firm against Canada’s search for an equaliser.

Manuel Akanji and Nico Elvedi were particularly outstanding in the heart of defence, while Kobel did well in dealing with a couple of – admittedly tame – Canuck efforts in the final ten minutes.

For Canada, meanwhile, tonight’s encounter dredges up old demons which Marsch would’ve hoped to have banished by now.

Having looked toothless in their opener against Bosnia the Maple Leaf Team appeared to have turned a corner in their 6-0 thumping of Qatar on matchday two, but that lack of cutting edge was once again on display as they failed to create much in the way of meaningful opportunities.

With this just their third ever World Cup, there can be no shame in losing to a team like Switzerland, who themselves have appeared in all of the last six.

But if the Canadian dream is to progress beyond the round of 32 then they will need to refind their shooting boots, and quickly.

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Switzerland – Canada Live Score