Johan Manzambi celebrates scoring the decisive second aim for Switzerland towards Canada. Photograph: AFP
VANCOUVER:
Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi fired Switzerland to high spot in World Cup Group B on Wednesday with a 2-1 win over Canada because the co-hosts additionally ensured a historic spot within the knockout rounds.
With the highest two groups within the pool assembly in Vancouver, each knew {that a} victory would guarantee first place within the group and, in principle, a kinder draw within the knockout levels.
Vargas and Manzambi’s second-half strikes have been sufficient to make sure the Swiss completed on seven factors, whereas Promise David pulled a aim again within the remaining 15 minutes for Canada however they completed up three factors behind their opponent however attain the final 32 for the primary time of their historical past.
Previous to the 2026 version, the North Individuals had by no means received a match at a finals however with their second-placed end within the pool they’ll play the runner-up from Group A on Sunday in Los Angeles.
Switzerland will meet among the finest third-placed sides subsequent week.
Bosnia-Herzegovina wrapped up third in Group B due to a 3-1 win over Qatar and can face an anxious wait to see if their 4 factors are sufficient to increase their keep on the World Cup.
Previous to kick-off, Canada midfielder Ismael Kone entered the pitch in a wheelchair after struggling a leg break in Canada’s 6-0 demolition of Qatar final week and was handled to a standing ovation by the spectators at BC Place Vancouver.
Manzambi difference-maker
Breel Embolo was introduced with a golden probability to open the scoring for the Swiss after 10 minutes however may solely hearth straight on the goalkeeper earlier than Manzambi struck the rebound into the chest of a defender.
Canada’s first huge alternative to interrupt the impasse arrived simply after the half-hour as striker Cyle Larin lower in on his proper foot and tried to bend the ball past Gregor Kobel.
The Swiss stopper was referred to as into motion once more shortly earlier than half-time as he dropped all the way down to his proper to palm a tame Ali Ahmed effort broad of his close to publish.
After an entertaining first half, the match sparked into life seconds after the interval as Vargas gave Switzerland lift-off.
A easy ball down the road launched Manzambi, whose cross from the correct evaded everybody till the 27-year-old popped up in acres of house on the again publish and took a wonderful first contact earlier than rifling previous Maxime Crepeau.
Manzambi then put the cherry on a effective efficiency as he netted his third of the event on 57 minutes, making the most of some poor goalkeeping to squeeze in a right-footed shot after respectable hold-up play on the sting of the field by Embolo.
Canada boss Jesse Marsch responded by making three substitutions, together with sending on LAFC midfielder Stephen Eustaquio.
Jonathan David, who scored a hat-trick in Canada’s final outing, turned sharply within the Swiss field and fired an effort at aim because the co-hosts tried to get a foot again within the match earlier than the second hydration break, however Nico Elvedi flung himself within the ball’s path.
However moments after the three-minute break, Promise David, who had simply entered the sphere, gave Canada hope as he stretched to show in a elegant ball from Nathan Saliba.
The aim arrange a grandstand end with a leveller for Canada sure to ship them by as group winners.
The Canadians got here shut from a few set-pieces on the match’s climax however Switzerland held on to say high spot.
