Switzerland booked their place in the last 16 of the World Cup with a composed 2-0 victory over Algeria, producing a disciplined display to secure progression from the last-32 stage on Thursday.
The Swiss will now meet the winners of Friday’s contest between Colombia and Ghana as they continue their campaign in the knockout rounds.
Switzerland made the breakthrough after an impressive run from Johan Manzambi, whose pace and determination down the left flank opened up the Algerian defence.
The young midfielder delivered a precise cross into the penalty area, where Breel Embolo arrived to guide the ball into the net from close range.
Algeria struggled to respond as Switzerland controlled possession and limited their opponents’ attacking opportunities for much of the match.
The second goal arrived when Dan Ndoye found space inside the area before sending a low effort through a crowded penalty box.
Goalkeeper Luca Zidane managed to get a hand to the shot but could not prevent it from crossing the line, leaving Algeria with an increasingly difficult task.
Switzerland remained organised during the closing stages, comfortably seeing out the match to seal a deserved victory and continue their World Cup journey.
For Algeria, the defeat brought their tournament to an end after a disappointing campaign. They become the latest African nation to exit the competition at the last-32 stage, joining Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Senegal.
Morocco is now the only African side to have advanced beyond that round.
Switzerland, meanwhile, will turn their attention to the next challenge as they prepare to face either Colombia or Ghana for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals
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