Switzerland 2-0 Algeria: Embolo and Ndoye send Swiss to last 16 | OneFootball

Jack Buchanan, Chief EFL Editor

Switzerland have secured their spot in the Round of 16 following a 2-0 win over Algeria in Vancouver, which saw Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye get on the scoresheet.

It was Embolo who opened the scoring after just 10 minutes, assisted by youngster Johan Manzambi, before Ndoye doubled their advantage early in the second half, killing off the tie.

As it happened

Switzerland named their oldest XI ever for a World Cup knockout game for this one, with Dennis Zakaria replacing Luca Jaquez at right-back and Ndoye replacing Lucas Sow on the wing. This was also Granit Xhaka’s 150th cap for his country, making him the 49th player in history to reach that tally in men’s internationals.

Meanwhile, Algeria made three changes with Luca Zidane returning in goal ahead of Oussama Benbot, whilst Ryan Ait-Nouri replaced Jaouen Hadjam at left-back and Zerrouki came into the middle of the park in favour of Amine Gouri.

The game got off to a quick start when Embolo gave Switzerland the lead after 10 minutes, poking home from close range after a brilliant run from Manzambi set him up perfectly. Houssem Aouar looked to get his side level immediately, but his tame effort was gathered by Gregor Kobel.

Switzerland continued to enjoy plenty of possession throughout the first half hour, despite not creating too many clear-cut chances. Farés Chaïbi was shown the first yellow card of the day after 36 minutes, when he brought down Manzambi; the remainder of the first half more or less passed both teams by, meaning the score remained 1-0 at the break.

Another fast start in the second 45 saw Switzerland double their lead through Ndoye, who pounced on Algeria after they played themselves into trouble, before guiding his shot into the far corner. Riyad Mahrez came close to getting his side straight back into the game, but his effort was blocked.

A double change followed for Algeria, which saw Gouiri and Hadjam replace Zerrouki and Aouar. Switzerland made changes of their own in the 71st minute, with Rubén Vargas making way for Fabian Rieder and Manzambi being replaced by Noah Okafor. Further changes also came from Algeria when Mahrez and Nabil Bentaleb made way for Anis Hadj Moussa and Hichan Boudaoui. The latter was shown a yellow card almost immediately after his introduction following a late sliding tackle on Xhaka.

Switzerland came dangerously close to adding a third goal with 15 minutes left on the clock, but Rafik Belghali was on hand to block the strike. Another brilliant chance followed for the Swiss, but this time it was Reider who failed to capitalise, instead heading straight at the goalkeeper.

Further changes followed for both sides as Switzerland replaced Embolo with Zack Amdouni and Algeria swapped Belhali for Adil Boulbina. Switzerland also introduced Michel Aebischer for Ndoye, who received a standing ovation as he made his way off the pitch. Zakaria was also replaced by Silvan Widmer.

One final chance came the way of Switzerland deep into injury time; however, Zidane was equal to Remo Freuler’s effort, meaning Switzerland advanced with a 2-0 win.