Switzerland topped Group B at the World Cup after defeating co-hosts Canada 2-1, pushing the Canadians into second place and forcing them to play their round-of-32 match in the United States.
Both teams had virtually secured progression after collecting four points from their opening two fixtures. However, Jesse Marsch’s side knew that avoiding defeat would guarantee that both their round-of-32 match and any possible round-of-16 encounter would remain in Vancouver, the host city for Wednesday’s clash.
Instead, Switzerland seized control with two rapid goals early in the second half. Ruben Vargas struck just 39 seconds after play resumed, while emerging talent Johan Manzambi doubled the lead 11 minutes later.
Canada responded when Nathan Saliba produced a superb first touch and cross that allowed Promise David to pull one back, but the hosts could not find an equaliser. As a result, they will travel to Los Angeles to meet the Group A runners-up after finishing ahead of Bosnia-Herzegovina on goal difference.
Switzerland nearly opened the scoring in the 11th minute. Ricardo Rodriguez threaded an excellent pass through to Breel Embolo, but Maxime Crepeau denied him, while Derek Cornelius threw himself in front of Manzambi’s rebound effort.
That opportunity was the clearest of a quiet first half. Canada became more threatening after the hydration break, with Gregor Kobel making saves to deny both Cyle Larin and Ali Ahmed.
The uninspiring opening period was followed by an explosive start to the second half. Vargas controlled Manzambi’s delivery before firing a shot off the inside of the near post and into the net.
Canada’s task became even more difficult shortly afterwards when they conceded again. Embolo beat Luc De Fougerolles before laying the ball off to Manzambi, whose effort appeared routine for Crepeau but somehow slipped beyond the goalkeeper.
The contest sprang back to life in the 76th minute. David, who had entered the match only 70 seconds earlier, stretched to convert after a brilliant piece of setup play from Saliba.
Cornelius had Canada’s best opportunities to level the score, but he directed one header wide and failed to connect cleanly with another. Canada therefore had to settle for second place, slightly tempering the celebrations surrounding their historic first qualification for the knockout rounds.
Manzambi continues breakout campaign
After crushing Qatar 6-0 to secure their maiden World Cup victory, Canada were confident that a place in the round of 32 was effectively guaranteed regardless of the outcome against Switzerland. Nevertheless, missing out on further matches on home soil will undoubtedly be disappointing.
Marsch may look back at his team’s cautious first-half approach with some frustration. Canada held just 30.5% possession, and the two sides combined for only 0.97 expected goals, with Switzerland generating 0.69 xG and Canada 0.28.
Despite ending the match with 13 shots and 1.34 xG compared to Switzerland’s six attempts and 1.06 xG, Canada were unable to match the efficiency of Murat Yakin’s side in front of goal.
Switzerland’s lightning-fast start after the interval ultimately proved decisive. Vargas’ goal was the quickest second-half strike at a World Cup since 2010, when Denmark’s Daniel Agger scored an own goal against the Netherlands just 32 seconds after the restart.
Manzambi then added his name to the scoresheet after creating the opener, becoming only the third player aged 21 or younger this century to register four goal contributions at a single World Cup, with two goals and two assists. The other two players to achieve the feat are Kylian Mbappe in 2018 (four contributions) and Thomas Muller in 2010 (eight).
The Freiburg prospect also became only the fifth player under the age of 21 to record multiple goal involvements in more than one match at the same World Cup since 1966. The others are Muller in 2010, Bastian Schweinsteiger in 2006, Ronaldo Nazario in 1998 (three matches), and Ferenc Bene in 1966.
