World Cup: Manzambi helps Switzerland end 88-year wait for knockout win

Switzerland are through to the Round of 16 after a comfortable victory over Algeria.

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Switzerland won a World Cup knockout stage game for the first time since 1938 as they progressed to the Round of 16 at Algeria’s expense. Johan Manzambi produced yet another excellent performance as he provided one of the best assists of the tournament for Breel Embolo’s opener.

The ex-Bundesliga striker scored from close range after Freiburg’s midfielder dazzled his way past Algeria’s defense on the left flank. Newcastle United are currently leading the race for Manzambi, but there would surely be more interest after his consistent performances at the World Cup.

Dan Ndoye scored the second goal for Switzerland within the first minute of the second-half. Algeria failed to even attempt a shot on target after that. Vladimir Petković, who coached Switzerland for seven years before Murat Yakin, was unable to seal Algeria’s first knockout stage victory.

Meanwhile, Switzerland ended their wait, as this is their first knockout victory since the group stage was introduced in the competition. They have also won three successive World Cup games for the very first time in their history. The winners of Colombia and Ghana will be Switzerland’s opponents in the Round of 16.