Switzerland finally breaks the curse and secures qualification for the World Cup round of 16. Against Algeria, Murat Yakin’s men won convincingly thanks to the usual Embolo (10′) and a second goal early in the second half from Ndoye (46′).
💡 Want to stay up to date on everything happening in the USA, Mexico, and Canada? Don’t forget to bookmark the World Cup! To follow the competition, search for “World Cup” on OneFootball and click the star next to it so you don’t miss a single story!
Among the standout performers was Johan Manzambi, who produced the brilliant run that led to Breel Embolo’s opener and was constantly involved in the game. More generally, though, it was the entire Swiss team that delivered a display of great tactical solidity, overcoming an Algeria side that looked short on spark and too reliant on individual initiatives.
At their first real attacking move, Switzerland took the lead. Manzambi beat Mandi with a surging solo run, reached the byline and played a perfect ball to Embolo, who made it 1-0.
The goal completely changed the momentum of the match. Switzerland took control of possession and space, while Algeria managed to create only one more chance through Maza, who wasted an Aouar pass by firing wide. Early in the second half came the blow that definitively swung the contest. Zakaria broke through on the right and whipped in two consecutive crosses, helped by mistakes from Bensebaini and Belghali. Ndoye controlled the ball and found the corner for the second goal.
HERE ARE DAZN’S PLAYER RATINGS
The biggest chance to get back into the match fell to Mahrez, but he was denied by an excellent intervention from Zakaria. Algeria could no longer create danger, while Switzerland kept defending with order and intensity, also thanks to the hard work of the forwards when out of possession.
The win allows the Swiss to continue their World Cup journey. In the round of 16, they will face the winner of the match between Colombia and Ghana.
🏆 Embolo goal and record for Switzerland
Breel Embolo is leading his Switzerland side and against Algeria scored his second goal of this World Cup. The Ligue 1 striker also became the first Swiss player to score more than one goal in two different World Cup editions. The two goals he has scored so far add to the two he scored in Qatar in 2022.
👋 Mahrez announces retirement and says goodbye to Algeria
Riyad Mahrez, at the end of the match that shattered Algeria’s World Cup dreams, announced his retirement from football. With 119 caps for the national team and 85 combined goals and assists, Mahrez bids farewell to the Greens as a true legend of Algerian football.
Winner of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, he had taken his national team to the final that year thanks to his legendary free-kick against Nigeria, scored at the very last second.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.
Discover more from NAIRAVOICE.COM.NG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
