Switzerland lead despite bright start from Algeria LIVE!

Switzerland edged past Algeria 2-1 after extra time in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 on Friday morning, securing a narrow victory at BC Place in Vancouver. The result sends Murat Yakin’s side into the last 16, while Algeria’s tournament ends in heartbreak despite a spirited start. The Swiss took the lead through a rehearsed set-piece routine in the 27th minute, doubled their advantage before half-time, and held firm through a second-half Algerian surge before sealing the win with a third goal in the 118th minute.

A tightly contested opener

Algeria began brightly, pressing high and testing Yann Sommer early. The opening exchanges were end-to-end, with both sides probing for openings. Switzerland, though, absorbed the pressure and struck first through a set-piece routine that was rehearsed in training. The goal came after 27 minutes, when a corner from the right was met by a towering header from the back post by Manuel Akanji. The deflection fell to Granit Xhaka, positioned centrally, who redirected it past the advancing Algerian goalkeeper Raïs M’Boli. The Swiss doubled their lead before half-time, when a swift counter caught Algeria out of shape. A long ball from Ricardo Rodríguez found Breel Embolo in space, who rounded M’Boli and slotted home. At the break, Switzerland led 2-0.

Algeria rally but fall short

Algeria responded after the break. Their pressing intensified, and they created several half-chances, forcing Sommer into saves. A free-kick in the 58th minute forced a fingertip save, while a late surge saw them pull a goal back through a well-worked move down the left. Islam Slimani nodded in from close range after a cross from Ramy Bensebaini in the 78th minute. The goal breathed life into their campaign, and they piled on the pressure in the final 20 minutes, testing the Swiss defence repeatedly. Extra time followed, and Algeria nearly equalised in the 105th minute when Slimani’s header rattled the post. Switzerland, however, held firm and sealed the win with a third goal in the 118th minute, a breakaway finish following a turnover in midfield involving Xhaka and Remo Freuler.

What comes next for both sides

Switzerland advance to face the winner of the Uruguay vs South Korea tie, a fixture that promises to be another tactical examination. Yakin will be pleased with his team’s resilience, particularly in extra time, where they showed composure under fatigue. For Algeria, the tournament ends in disappointment, but their attacking intent will be noted by observers. Their pressing was effective at times, and they showed they can trouble elite defences. The question now is whether this World Cup cycle marks the beginning of a new Algerian generation or a missed opportunity.

One tactical note stood out: Switzerland’s compact midfield block frustrated Algeria’s rhythm, while their transitions were rapid and direct. Algeria, by contrast, struggled to play through the thirds when pressed, often resorting to long balls that Switzerland dealt with comfortably. The Swiss full-backs provided width in attack, stretching play and creating space for their midfield runners. Algeria’s left-back, Ramy Bensebaini, was exposed repeatedly, and their attempts to overload that flank backfired at times. Switzerland’s defensive structure, anchored by Akanji and Nico Elvedi, remained disciplined throughout, while their wingers, Xherdan Shaqiri and Ruben Vargas, offered crucial outlets on the break.

As the dust settles on this Round of 32 tie, the focus shifts to the next round. Switzerland will need to replicate this defensive solidity against a Uruguay side that has shown tactical flexibility under Marcelo Bielsa. Algeria, meanwhile, can take pride in their performance but must address their midfield organisation if they are to progress further in future tournaments. For now, Switzerland march on, while Algeria’s World Cup ends in the early hours of a Vancouver morning.