Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi struck second-half goals for Switzerland as they beat Canada 2-1 on Wednesday to qualify for the knock-out stage of the World Cup as Group B winners, with the tournament co-hosts also progressing as runners-up.
Switzerland, who finished the group stage on seven points, will remain in Vancouver for their last-32 tie, while Canada, who would have won the group with a draw, ended three points behind them and will head to Los Angeles for their next game.
The two sides managed to create a total of three attempts on goal in an uneventful first half only notable for two yellow cards handed out to Swiss captain Granit Xhaka and Canada striker Cyle Larin after the pair clashed over a quick free kick for Switzerland.
The Swiss turned up the heat after the break, Vargas immediately firing them into the lead and 20-year-old Manzambi adding a well-taken second in the 57th minute, and though substitute Promise David made it 2-1 with his first touch after coming on, Canada were unable to find another goal as they suffered their first defeat of the tournament.
Jesse Marsch applauds the Canadian fans
“I am disappointed that we were not able to get a win or a draw today to keep us here,” Canadian boss Jesse Marsch said.
“I’m so thankful for the energy in the country, and certainly in the stadium here today. But we are going to go to LA. We’re going to go where it’s probably going to be an away crowd, and it’ll be a little bit tougher. But we still want to electrify our country and play really well down there, and go after it still.”
The match presented a stern test for Canada, who drew 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina in their opener before thrashing nine-man Qatar 6-0. They faced a well-drilled Swiss side featuring the likes of Xhaka and Manuel Akanji, operating as a cohesive, hard-working unit.
“We are very happy because we won, and we fought until the very last minute,” Vargas said.
“But I think that Canada went right to the wire. We just seized the opportunity, and we just fought very hard until the very last minute.
“Obviously, we tried to score earlier, but I am just very happy that I managed to hit the back of the net. During our preparation, the coach told us that we have to be present in the box at all times, and I am just glad that I managed to score.”
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