Newcastle United is evidently keen on securing Johan Manzambi, and it’s easy to see why. The 20-year-old Freiburg forward showcased his talents by dismantling the Algerian defense, setting up Breel Embolo for Switzerland’s opening goal in a commanding win that propelled them into the knockout stage. Captain Granit Xhaka is striving to temper the rising expectations, but it’s becoming increasingly challenging after Switzerland achieved their first win in a World Cup elimination match since 1938.
This victory marks a significant milestone for the current Swiss squad, although President Guy Parmelin noted they have been performing well for some time. Sitting in the VIP section alongside FIFA’s Gianni Infantino, Parmelin sported a striking red cap reminiscent of Donald Trump’s headwear, but instead of the “Switzerland great since 1291” slogan, his hat bore the phrase: “He is a precious player for us, a brilliant footballer and he is just improving one match after the other,”
Manzambi, who had already scored three goals in the tournament, added another assist, making him the youngest player to achieve five goal involvements in World Cup history. Since the start of this millennium, only Thomas Müller has accomplished this at a younger age with Germany in 2010. “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.” stated head coach Murat Yakin. “He’s had a great tournament, keep your eyes on him,”
Algeria failed to heed the pre-match warning from the stadium announcer who urged spectators to keep an eye on Manzambi. “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,” the announcement proclaimed, accompanied by visuals of Manzambi warming up on the large screen. The display also highlighted Manzambi’s sixth-place ranking in FIFA’s attacking power rankings, trailing behind stars like Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, Erling Haaland, and Harry Kane.
The match was just ten minutes in when Ruben Vargas threaded a clever pass to Manzambi, who seized control just inside the Algeria half. He advanced toward the byline, skillfully maneuvering past Algeria right-back Aissa Mandi, and while off-balance, he managed to deliver a precise cross. Embolo finished with flair, pulling a goofy smile as he celebrated, a goal that was a testament to Manzambi’s influence.
Following that, Switzerland maintained control and extended their lead a mere 48 seconds into the second half. Dan Ndoye made the finish appear effortless, expertly collecting Mandi’s hopeful clearance with his left foot and firing a shot with his right into the far corner, just beyond the reach of goalkeeper Luca Zidane, who barely grazed the shot with his fingertips. Yakin, with his distinctive greyscale quiff and thick-rimmed maroon glasses, stepped out of his dugout to savor the moment, with the next round in sight.
Switzerland’s tournament began with a disappointing draw against Qatar, where a last-minute equalizer overshadowed their dominance. However, they have since tallied three consecutive victories, netting eight goals while allowing only two. Vargas was dynamic on the left flank, while Ndoye proved a constant threat on the opposite side. After contributing significantly, Manzambi was substituted midway through the second half. Defensively, Switzerland faced minimal pressure; Algeria struggled to challenge goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, with Houssem Aouar squandered a prime opportunity early on and Ibrahim Maza later missed a chance after Mahrez’s cross deflected off Aouar. Not long after falling two goals behind, Mahrez’s first-time effort lacked the necessary conviction. The Algeria captain later announced his retirement from international football, regretting that missed opportunity in his final appearance.
Switzerland nearly secured a third goal in the 81st minute when Denis Zakaria delivered a cross into the Algeria box. However, instead of capitalizing on a gaping goal, Fabian Rieder misfired, allowing Zidane to regain possession. Ultimately, it proved inconsequential as Switzerland avoided any last-minute stress and can now familiarize themselves with their surroundings in British Columbia as they prepare to face either Colombia or Ghana in Vancouver on Tuesday.
Algeria’s head coach, Vladimir Petkovic, who is well-acquainted with Switzerland after spending seven years at the helm and leading them in two World Cups, commented, “Switzerland can compete with every team at this tournament.”
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