A place in the Round of 16 will be on the line when Switzerland and Algeria meet at BC Place in Vancouver on Friday morning in what promises to be an exciting knockout encounter.
Switzerland arrive in Canada full of confidence after finishing top of Group B with seven points from a possible nine. Murat Yakin’s side remained unbeaten throughout the group stage, recovering from an opening draw with Qatar to beat Bosnia and Herzegovina and hosts Canada to secure first place. Having reached the knockout stages at each of the last three World Cups, the Swiss are now aiming to make the Round of 16 for a fourth consecutive tournament.
Vladimir Petković’s Algeria side suffered a heavy opening defeat to Argentina before reviving their campaign with a victory over Jordan. A remarkable 3-3 draw against Austria in their final group match proved enough to send them through as one of the best third-placed teams on goal difference. Now appearing in the knockout rounds of a World Cup for only the second time in their history, Algeria will hope to keep their dream alive against Petković’s former nation.
Team NewsSwitzerland
Switzerland have very few injury concerns heading into the knockout stages. The only notable doubt is full-back Silvan Widmer, who missed training earlier this week with a hip complaint but has not yet been ruled out of Friday’s clash.
Should Widmer fail to recover in time, Luca Jaquez is expected to continue at right-back after an impressive display against Canada. Captain Granit Xhaka and Remo Freuler are set to continue their experienced midfield partnership.
With seven goals scored in three group matches, Yakin is unlikely to make wholesale changes, as Switzerland look to continue their nine-match unbeaten run.
Algeria
Algeria have a significant concern surrounding forward Mohamed El Amine Amoura, who remains a major doubt after picking up an unspecified injury.
Should Amoura miss out, Riyad Mahrez is expected to captain an attacking quartet alongside Ibrahim Maza, Farès Chaïbi and Amine Gouiri. Mahrez has already scored twice during the tournament and will once again carry much of Algeria’s creative responsibility.
There is also uncertainty in goal after Oussama Benbot replaced Luca Zidane during the group stage. Benbot struggled against Austria, meaning Petković could restore Zidane between the posts for this crucial knockout fixture.
Likely line-upsSwitzerland
Kobel; Widmer, Akanji, Elvedi, Rodriguez; Freuler, Xhaka; Ndoye, Manzambi, Vargas; Embolo
Algeria
Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait-Nouri; Boudaoui, Zerrouki; Mahrez, Maza, Chaibi; Gouiri
Key PlayersJohan Manzambi
One of the breakout stars of the tournament, Johan Manzambi has announced himself on the biggest stage with three goals and an assist despite starting only one of Switzerland’s group matches.
His eye for goal has added an extra dimension to Switzerland’s attack, making him one of the favourites to challenge for the FIFA Young Player Award.
If Algeria’s defence, which has already conceded seven goals in three matches, cannot contain the youngster’s movement, Switzerland could once again prove clinical in front of goal.
Johan Manzambi during the Group B match at BC Place Vancouver (Photo by Emma Ottosen/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)Riyad Mahrez
Algeria will once again look to Riyad Mahrez to inspire them in the knockout stages. At 35, Mahrez continues to provide leadership, creativity and quality in the final third, contributing two goals during the group stage.
Much of Algeria’s attack will depend on Mahrez creating chances and leading the team forward to provide moments that could make the difference.
Against an organised Swiss defence led by Manuel Akanji, Mahrez will need to be at his very best if Algeria are to record the first knockout victory in their World Cup history.
Riyad Mahrez celebrates his goal against Austria (Photo by Nick Tre. Smith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Match DetailsWhere is the game being played?
The match will take place at BC Place in Vancouver.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 local time on Thursday, 2 July, which is 04:00 BST on Friday, 3 July in the UK.
How can I watch?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on BBC, while coverage will also be available on FOX Sports in the United States.