By Odeh Favour Adiya
Switzerland secured their place in the Round of 16 at the ongoing FIFA World Cup with a composed 2-0 victory over Algeria on Thursday, ending the North Africans’ campaign in the tournament.
The Swiss dominated proceedings in Vancouver and took the lead through striker Breel Embolo, who finished off a well-worked move after Johan Manzambi surged down the left wing and delivered a precise cross into the box.
Dan Ndoye doubled Switzerland’s advantage later in the match with a low drive that squeezed through a crowded penalty area. Although Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane got a touch on the effort, he was unable to keep the ball out as the Swiss sealed a comfortable victory.
The win sends Switzerland into the knockout stage, where they will face the winner of Friday’s encounter between Colombia and Ghana.
For Algeria, the defeat marks the end of their World Cup journey and adds to the list of African teams eliminated from the competition. They join Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Senegal among the continent’s early exits.
Morocco have already secured qualification for the Round of 16, while Ghana will be hoping to become the second African nation to progress when they face Colombia.
