​Switzerland secured their first World Cup knockout-stage victory since 1938, beating Algeria 2-0 to book a spot in the last 16. Embolo opened the scoring in the 10th minute after a superb wing move from Johan Manzambi, who pulled off a decisive run and cutback for Embolo to finish from Rennes. Ndoye doubled the lead just 46 seconds after the halftime break with a composed finish inside the area.
The Swiss had not scored more than one goal in a World Cup knockout game since their infamous 7-5 win over Austria in 1954, but they controlled much of this match. Algeria pressed briefly before the break, but their best chance saw Fares Chaibi fire a timid shot that Switzerland keeper Gregor Kobel easily saved, and they rarely threatened thereafter. This was Switzerland’s first knockout win since 1938, with Murat Yakin’s side comfortably advancing.
Switzerland had a golden chance for a third late on when Fabian Rieder, with the goal at his mercy, mishit at the back post, allowing Algeria’s Luca Zidane to recover. The win takes Switzerland to the last 16 for a fourth consecutive World Cup, where they will face either Colombia or Ghana on July 7 at 21:00 BST in Vancouver.
Manzambi’s display was the headline as Granit Xhaka, earning his 150th cap, anchored the side with authority while the 20-year-old Freiburg winger provided the spark. Manzambi’s chemistry with Embolo produced the opener, as he shook off Aissa Mandi and delivered a cutback that left Zidane with no chance. His two direct involvement in goals in the tournament—one goal and one assist—highlighted his rising prominence, and his pace and skill suggested he could attract interest from major clubs, though Freiburg will be keen to hold onto him.
The win sets up a clash with the winner of Colombia vs. Ghana in Vancouver.