Another European in and another African out. In a match where they ceded the spotlight for much of the game, Switzerland made the most of the chances they created and defeated Algeria by 2-0 with a team that never found the clarity needed to trouble their opponent.
The duel would start with the Algerians as the main owners of the game; however, it would be the Swiss who would strike first. At 10, after a great individual play, Johan Mazambi would assist Breel Embolo, who with a single touch would beat Luca Zidane to make it 1-0
Despite continuing to dominate possession, the Africans would not be effective in attack, something their rival, with their few approaches mainly on the counter, would manage to do, although not enough to challenge Zizou's son or move the scoreboard again, at least in what remained of the first half.
As soon as the second half began, Denis Zakaria would anticipate the exit of Rayan Aït-Nouri on the right flank and would cross, which would be cleared by Rafik Belghali; however, he would gift it to Dan Ndoye, who would finish without complications to make it 2-0.
Just like in the first 45 minutes, "The Desert Foxes" would manage the ball and some isolated chances, but would not manage to hit the target of a Gregor Kobel who would hardly have to work with his hands. This worrying situation would be exacerbated by the fact that the Europeans, with little, would create clear opportunities to seal the match, like a shot from substitute Fabian Rieder at 74 that Benghali would clear.
The feeling that Murat Yakin's team was closer to a third goal than their opponents were to a consolation would become increasingly evident. In addition to the previous chance, Rieder would again have the third at his feet: at 80, he would receive an assist from Zakaria completely alone in the area, but would inexplicably miss his chance with a beaten Zidane and the goal at his mercy.
In its final stretch, the match would completely flatten out. Although they would continue to press to shorten the difference, Algeria would never put the Swiss in trouble, who would close their victory with a shot from Remo Freuler contained by, ending the story without further changes to the result.
With this victory, Switzerland advanced to the round of 16, where they will face the winner of the clash between Colombia and Ghana next Tuesday, July 7 at 16:00 (Argentina time) at BC Place in Vancouver.
