Switzerland vs. Algeria Highlights: Switzerland Blanks Algeria To Advance

Switzerland showed the class it showed at Euro 2024, when it was a penalty shootout away from reaching the semifinals. Now Switzerland finds itself in the round of 16 after a clinical, ruthless and efficient display, seeing off Algeria 2-0 behind goals from Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye.

The Manzambi-Embolo connection was firing, as the two combined for the opening goal. Switzerland had been under pressure for the first 10 minutes before scoring against the run of play, but that goal opened up the blueprint for it to go on and win the match. It only became more simple when Switzerland opened the second half with an immediate goal from Ndoye, and from there, there was never really any doubt. Switzerland never had to get out of second gear.

Disappointing for Algeria, which really made it simple for Switzerland. Poor defending and poor giveaways in bad areas did Algeria in, despite playing some good soccer and having a foothold in the game at times. Algeria could not create many clear-cut opportunities and did not defend well enough in the individual moments that cost it.

Algeria conceded nine goals in four games, which is quite frankly not good enough at the highest level. Yes, Algeria has players who are good with the ball at their feet, but if you defend and concede the way it did throughout this tournament, elimination was only a matter of time. It comes today.

Switzerland will stay in Vancouver as it moves on to battle the winner of Friday's Colombia-Ghana match on Tuesday, July 7.

Switzerland has a golden opportunity to close the curtains in the 81st minute.

Denis Zakaria plays the square ball across the face of goal, with an empty net waiting for Fabian Rieder to smash it home, but he just cannot get clean contact on it.

Switzerland is still in a great position to close this out and move on to the round of 16.

The second hydration break has arrived in Vancouver, with Switzerland looking to see out this victory and dance into the round of 16.

Switzerland leads 2-0 and is in control. Algeria has still had a good amount of the ball, but it has not created many clear-cut opportunities, with not enough ideas on how to break down this Swiss defense.

Switzerland has done a great job keeping Algeria at arm’s length, and now it is a real mountain to climb. Algeria needs two goals in this final quarter of the game just to save its World Cup and send this match into extra time.

No need for caffeine for the Switzerland supporters.

It is just a little past 6 a.m. there, but they have gone absolutely bonkers after Dan Ndoye’s goal doubled the Swiss lead.

Switzerland is up 2-0 and closing in on a spot in the round of 16.

Switzerland doubles its lead right at the start of the second half.

Dan Ndoye scores in the 46th minute, and just like Switzerland did to start the second half in its last match against Canada, it strikes immediately after the break.

Algeria loses the ball in a horrible area, and the ball finds Ndoye inside the box. He finishes excellently to make it 2-0.

Switzerland is now up 2-0, and Algeria has a huge mountain to climb.

Switzerland goes into the dressing room with a 1-0 lead at halftime, thanks to the Manzambi-Embolo connection that led to Breel Embolo’s goal in the 10th minute against the run of play.

Algeria has been the team more on the front foot over these first 45 minutes, but giving the ball away and some questionable defending allowed Switzerland to take the lead with its first real attack.

Outside of the goal, Switzerland did not have much to offer through the first hydration break, but after the break, it started growing into the game more on the ball and getting into more dangerous areas.

Algeria did pick it back up over the final five minutes or so of the half, but it will have to come out flying in the second half to get back into this one and save its World Cup. The defense that conceded seven goals in the group stage reared its ugly head again, looking fragile when conceding that opening goal.

The first hydration break has arrived in Vancouver, and despite Algeria having 60% of the ball and being more on the front foot, Switzerland has the lead.

Breel Embolo’s 10th-minute goal, which came against the run of play, is the difference so far.

Algeria has moved the ball well and shown energy in possession, but it has not created enough clear chances yet. Switzerland, meanwhile, punished Algeria with its first real attack of the game.

Algeria has played some very good soccer over the first 18 minutes, moving the ball quickly, showing enthusiasm, getting into dangerous areas and pressing well to win the ball back.

It has not quite created that clear-cut chance yet, but once again, the defense has let Algeria down. Switzerland scored on its only real attack of the game, and now Algeria finds itself down 1-0 despite a strong start.

Still, Algeria has responded well to the goal and continues to push as it looks to get back into this one.

Switzerland scores, and it is the front two combining.

Johan Manzambi attacks the Algerian back line with his speed and directness before squaring the ball across the face of goal for Breel Embolo to finish.

It comes against the run of play, with Algeria having more than 70% of the ball in the first 10 minutes. But Switzerland scores with its first real attack of the game.

Poor defending from Aïssa Mandi, who gets beaten far too easily by Manzambi on the run.

Switzerland leads 1-0.

For Algeria, the biggest key is surviving defensively. This is an Algeria team that conceded seven goals in the group stage, now going up against a dangerous Swiss attack led by Johan Manzambi and Breel Embolo. The back line has to be at its A-game, and that includes Luca Zidane, who returns in goal after being benched against Austria. Algeria also has to make life difficult for Granit Xhaka in midfield. He is the conductor of this Switzerland team, and if he has time and space to get on the ball, dictate the tempo and pick out passes, Algeria could be in trouble.

For Switzerland, the key is getting Xhaka on the ball and feeding that front three early and often. Everything goes through Xhaka in midfield, and the more control he has, the more efficient this Swiss team becomes. Once Switzerland gets the ball into attacking areas, Manzambi, Embolo and the rest of the front line will have chances to find joy against an Algerian defense that has looked vulnerable throughout this tournament.

Algeria has named its starting lineup to take on Switzerland, and the big news is Luca Zidane returning in goal.

Zidane was dropped for Algeria’s final group-stage match against Austria after a rough tournament up to that point, but he is back in the XI for this knockout-stage matchup. Riyad Mahrez captains the side, with Ibrahim Maza, Farès Chaïbi and Houssem Aouar also starting in attack.

Algeria:

Goalkeeper: Luca Zidane
Defenders: Rafik Belghali, Aïssa Mandi, Ramy Bensebaini, Rayan Aït-Nouri
Midfielders: Nabil Bentaleb, Ramiz Zerrouki, Houssem Aouar, Ibrahim Maza, Farès Chaïbi
Forward: Riyad Mahrez

Switzerland has named its starting lineup for this round of 32 clash against Algeria.

Johan Manzambi starting alongside Breel Embolo in attack, giving Switzerland another forward option next to its experienced striker. Granit Xhaka captains the side in midfield, with Gregor Kobel in goal and Manuel Akanji leading the back line.

Switzerland:

Goalkeeper: Gregor Kobel
Defenders: Denis Zakaria, Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodríguez
Midfielders: Granit Xhaka, Remo Freuler, Dan Ndoye, Ruben Vargas, Johan Manzambi
Forward: Breel Embolo