Swiss reach last 16 as Newcastle target Manzambi sets tournament record
Switzerland secured a first World Cup knockout win since 1938 by beating Algeria 2-0, a result that will further accelerate Newcastle United's pursuit of standout forward Johan Manzambi.
Switzerland defeated Algeria 2-0 to advance to the World Cup last 16, marking the nation's first knockout-stage victory at the tournament since 1938. The win sets up a Tuesday match in Vancouver against either Colombia or Ghana. Swiss President Guy Parmelin attended the fixture alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
The primary takeaway for European club football was another masterclass from Johan Manzambi. Newcastle United are already working overtime to finalise a transfer for the 20-year-old Freiburg forward, and his performance here will likely drive up his market price. Manzambi's rising stock stands in sharp contrast to his club side's recent disappointment, having lost heavily to Aston Villa in May's Europa League final.
Manzambi dismantled the Algeria defence inside the first ten minutes, drifting past right-back Aissa Mandi to deliver a precise cross for Breel Embolo's opener. Dan Ndoye doubled the lead 48 seconds into the second half, capitalising on a poor clearance to beat goalkeeper Luca Zidane. By registering his fourth assist of the tournament, Manzambi became the youngest player ever to reach five goal involvements at a World Cup.
This millennium, only Thomas Müller achieved such a tally while under the age of 21. Manzambi currently sits sixth in FIFA's attacking power rankings, positioned behind Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane. Switzerland's head coach, Murat Yakin, highlighted the forward's rapid trajectory.
“He is a precious player for us, a brilliant footballer and he is just improving one match after the other,” Yakin said. “He has so many qualities as a player … It’s just so much fun to work with him and see him perform like that. He is really evolving.”
After a frustrating opening draw against Qatar, Switzerland have now won three consecutive matches, scoring eight goals and conceding twice. Algeria's head coach, Vladimir Petkovic, offered a frank assessment of his former team's prospects. Petkovic spent seven years managing Switzerland, leading them at two World Cups and to the Euro 2020 quarter-finals.
“In tournaments, you need a little bit of the rub of the green, to be in the right place at the right time, but Switzerland have a lot of quality and they can certainly make it through the next round,” Petkovic said. “Switzerland can compete with every team at this tournament.” Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez confirmed his retirement from international football following the defeat.
