VANCOUVER, CANADA: Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi scored to give Switzerland a 2-1 win over Canada in FIFA World Cup Group B on Wednesday as both teams advanced to the knockout stages, Xinhua reported.
Manzambi, 20, who came off the bench to score twice in Switzerland’s 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday, dominated the early game against Canada.
Assisted by Manzambi, Vargas broke the deadlock early in the second half, when his shot went past the Canadian goalkeeper, hit the post and went over the line.
In the 57th minute, Breel Embolo crossed for Manzambi, who finished to make it 2-0.
Swiss defender Manuel Akanji praised Manzambi after the match. “We need a player like this who is creative, he sees things that maybe others don’t see or can’t do.”
Canada scored again in the 76th minute when Jonathan David scored with his first touch shortly after coming on as a substitute.
“We didn’t get at least a draw, which means we have to get out of here (Canada) for the next game,” said David.
“We were a bit disappointed about that. But we scored a lot of goals in all three games, I think we showed a new level of attacking football.”
Also in Group B, Qatar finished bottom and were eliminated after losing 3-1 to Bosnia and Herzegovina, who are third with four points and still have hopes of reaching the knockout stages.
Switzerland will play one of the best third-place teams from Groups E, F, G, I or J in Vancouver in the round of 32.
Canada, who need a win or a draw to top the group and remain in action at home, now have to travel to Los Angeles for their next match against the Group A runners-up.
— BERNAMA-XINHUA
