Switzerland knocks Algeria out of World Cup

Switzerland beat Algeria in the 32nd round of the World Cup on the 3rd of July, allowing Switzerland to progress to the round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup. According to Al Jazeera, Switzerland will either face Colombia or Ghana on Tuesday in Vancouver. 

Algeria had qualified for the knockout stage as one of the best third-place teams after a 3-3 draw with Austria, and then faced Switzerland in the Round of 32. 

Switzerland’s first goal came in the first ten minutes of the match, with a goal by Breel Embolo. Swiss player Manzambi sprinted across the field to assist Embolo. Switzerland scored its second goal in the first minute after the second half, when Algerian player Rafik Belghali sent a clearance attempt directly to Swiss player Ndoye. 

Switzerland outshot Algeria 11-8 and had a 5-2 advantage in shots on target. 

Murat Yakin’s Swiss team put on a tactical show, shifting formations and laying traps for the Fennecs. Algeria’s coach Vladimir Petkovic was somewhat familiar with the Swiss team as he trained the national team from 2014 to 2021. The coach has been under scrutiny since Algeria’s loss, with many arguing that Algeria needs an Algerian coach and that Petkovic has to leave. The Algerian sports press awaits his resignation, with no certainty that he will. 

Algerian fans told BFM Sport that they believed Petkovic was responsible for the outcome of the match, further arguing that Algeria had a different composition in every match, making stability and equilibrium hard to achieve in such a fast-paced competition. 

The Algeria team will have to say a final goodbye to their new fans in Kansas and, more specifically, Lawrence, where they were based for this World Cup. Residents of this small Kansas town became internationally famous for their hospitality and unconditional support of the Fennecs.

Al Jazeera, BFM Sport, Maghrebi.org