Switzerland will face either Colombia or Ghana in their next knockout round after comfortably beating Algeria 2-0 on Thursday to clinch a spot in last 16 of the FIFA World Cup.
Early in the game, the Swiss side got the lead, launching an early attack.
In the 10th minute, midfielder Johan Manzambi raced around the side and dribbled a low pass towards the goal for striker Breel Embolo who skillfully shot the ball into the net.
Once a lead was established, Switzerland played a game of defensive football, reducing Algeria’s scoring opportunities.
The team kept themselves organised and Algeria maintained possession of the ball without giving them any chance to put Switzerland in a dangerous position.
Just after the second half began, Switzerland doubled its lead.
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Algeria defender Rafik Belghali somehow distributed the ball improperly and Dan Ndoye, picked up the free ball and fired a shot through a number of players.
Goalkeeper Luca Zidane managed to get his hands on it but it was too late to try to stop it.
Algeria found their length of ball possession the most precious commodity but were unable to find the right tools to respond.
They had their best chance late in the first half when Ibrahim Maza missed his chance.
Captain Riyad Mahrez also had a shot, which was saved by a defending player.
The Swiss side kept their resolute form from their previous games with possession of a two-goal margin, which they defended well for the remainder of the match.
Substitute Fabian Rieder was denied a third chance to strike the posts late in the game but it was of no consequence.
The win puts Switzerland in the knockout round, and Algeria will not compete in the World Cup any longer. Morocco is now the only African team in the last 16 in this year’s edition.
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