Switzerland defeated Canada 2-1 on Wednesday to finish top of Group B and secure a place in the World Cup knockout stage as group winners.
Goals from Rubén Vargas and Johan Manzambi helped the Swiss claim the victory and earn a week-long break before returning to Vancouver on July 2 to face one of the tournament's best third-placed teams in the Round of 32.
“I think we deserve to be where we are right now,” Switzerland coach Murat Yakin said. “In three days we will know our next opponent, and now we have the opportunity to watch the tournament and prepare for what comes next.”
Canada finished second in the group and advanced to the knockout round for the first time in its history. However, the Canadians missed the chance to secure a Round of 32 match on home soil after failing to win or draw Wednesday’s game.
Instead, Canada will travel to Inglewood to face South Africa national football team on Sunday. South Africa secured second place in Group A with a 1-0 win over South Korea earlier in the day.
“We wanted to stay here in Vancouver, but we still have a huge opportunity ahead of us,” Canada coach Jesse Marsch said.
Twenty-year-old Johan Manzambi retained his place in the starting lineup after scoring twice as a substitute in Switzerland’s 4-1 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina. The midfielder continued his impressive form against Canada.
Switzerland took the lead less than a minute into the second half when Rubén Vargas fired a shot past goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau. The ball struck the post before finding the net.
Manzambi doubled the advantage in the 57th minute after receiving a pass from Breel Embolo. His effort slipped through Crépeau’s hands to make it 2-0 and silence the sellout crowd, which included Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Canada responded in the 76th minute when substitute Promise David scored with his first touch of the match, just moments after coming off the bench. Despite creating several chances late on, the hosts were unable to find an equaliser.
Swiss captain Granit Xhaka came close to scoring in the first half, but his free kick in the 37th minute sailed over the crossbar.
Canada’s Ali Ahmed also threatened before halftime, but his effort was comfortably saved by Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
Canada entered the match after a historic 6-0 victory over Qatar, the country's first-ever World Cup win. However, that success was overshadowed by a serious injury to midfielder Ismaël Koné, who suffered a broken left leg and watched Wednesday’s match on crutches.
Switzerland began its campaign with a 1-1 draw against Qatar before defeating Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-1. Considered the strongest team in Group B, the Swiss are appearing in their fifth consecutive World Cup and have reached the Round of 16 in each of the previous three tournaments.
“We needed some time to settle into the tournament,” Yakin said. “The way we are playing now, I am very happy with it.”
Canada, making its third World Cup appearance, opened the tournament with a 2-2 draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Marsch praised his players for overcoming injuries and setbacks throughout the competition, saying the team remained competitive despite narrowly missing out on first place.
In the other Group B match, Bosnia-Herzegovina defeated Qatar 3-1 and still has a chance to advance as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams. Qatar was eliminated.