​  Co-hosts Canada qualified for the World Cup knockout stages for the first time in their history, despite missing the chance to top Group B in their 2-1 defeat to Switzerland in Vancouver.Second half goals from Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi proved enough to seal victory – and top spot – for Yakin Murat’s men, with the latter scoring for a third time in two group stage matches before Promise David pulled one back late on.Having needed just a draw to seal home advantage in their last 32 match, Canada now face a trip Los Angeles in what will be a bitter blow for Jesse Marsch’s side despite making the knockout stages for the first time.Canada started brightly and Richie Laryea almost had a chance within 30 seconds, but Gregor Kobel easily gathered Cyle Larin’s lofted ball into the penalty area.But it was Switzerland who had the first clear opportunity of the game.Breel Embolo managed to get goal side of Laryea to leave himself one-on-one with Maxime Crepeau, only to fire his effort straight at the Canada keeper before Johan Manzambi’s follow-up was blocked by David Cornelius.Embolo had a second effort at Crepeau’s goal minutes later, a driven, powerful strike which was easily dealt with by the Orlando City shot stopper.Manzambi then managed to break into the box following a searing run, but produced an embarrassing swan dive when he realised the shooting opportunity had passed.In what was fast becoming an end-to-end encounter Tajon Buchanan failed to get on the end of a promising Canadian free kick, before Cyle Larin had a tame shot easily saved by Kobel from close range.Ruben Vargas, making a record extending 15th appearance in the World Cup for Switzerland, could’ve marked the occasion with a goal, but left himself a tight shooting angle following an unnecessary touch.At the other end Ali Ahmed had Canada’s best chance of the first half five minutes before the interval following some lovely interplay in the final third, but like Larin couldn’t generate enough power on his attempt to beat Kobel.Jonathan David then had his own chance to break the deadlock on the stroke of half time. The Juventus forward linked up well with Buchanan, but failed to apply the finishing touch as he blazed wide from the edge of Switzerland’s 18 yard box.Vargas eventually got his celebratory goal just 40 seconds after the restart, smashing home from a low Manzambi cross on the right hand side after the Freiburg starlet did well to outmuscle his man.Manzambi got the goal his performance deserved less than 15 minutes later, the 20-year-old-firing a low drive past Maxime Cepreau from the edge of the area after being found in acres of space by Embolo.Canada’s number one managed to make contact with the ball, but somehow couldn’t keep it out.Marsch’s side improved after the Swiss second, with sub      ​Read More