Switzerland and Algeria meet in World Cup last 32 with Petković facing former side
Switzerland, unbeaten in Group B, face an Algeria side that scraped through as a best third-place team. The winner meets Colombia or Ghana in the next round.
Group stage journeys
Switzerland topped Group B with seven points after a slow start. They drew 1-1 with Qatar, then beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1 and co-hosts Canada 2-1. Algeria finished third in Group J with four points, losing 3-0 to Argentina, beating Jordan 2-1, and drawing 3-3 with Austria in a finale that saw Riyad Mahrez score twice, including a stoppage-time goal that briefly put Algeria through before Austria equalised.
- Switzerland 1-1 Qatar
- Algeria 0-3 Argentina
- Switzerland 4-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Algeria 2-1 Jordan
- Switzerland 2-1 Canada
- Algeria 3-3 Austria
Key players and coaches
Switzerland's young attacker Johan Manzambi has been a breakout star, while Granit Xhaka and Manuel Akanji provide experience. Algeria are led by veteran Riyad Mahrez, 35, and coached by Vladimir Petković, who spent seven years in charge of Switzerland. Murat Yakin's Swiss side reached the quarter-finals of the last two European Championships and are in the knockout stage for the fourth consecutive World Cup.
Algeria offered a great match against Austria. But no matter who they put in goal, they are guaranteed to concede. It's a shame because there is quality, but I see their journey ending here. Switzerland had a very easy group but remain above Algeria. Manzambi is convincing everyone and is a good reason to wake up at 5am!
What's at stake
Algeria are seeking their first World Cup knockout win since 2014, when they lost 2-1 to Germany in the round of 16. Switzerland have reached this stage in four of the last five tournaments but have never won a knockout match at the World Cup. The winner will face either Colombia or Ghana back at BC Place Vancouver.
I see the Swiss winning 2-1 in a match they will dominate quite comfortably, even leading 2-0 until the 90th minute before getting a scare in stoppage time.
Match details
The match kicks off at 5am CEST on Friday 3 July (8pm local time on 2 July in Vancouver) at BC Place. It is broadcast live on beIN Sports 1. Probable line-ups show Switzerland in a 4-3-3 with Kobel in goal and Embolo up front; Algeria are expected to start with Mahrez, Gouiri and Aouar in attack.
