Switzerland secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Canada on Wednesday to seal their qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 32 as Group B winners, while the co-hosts also progressed to the knockout stage as runners-up.
Both sides came into the final group game at BC Place Vancouver with four points, but Murat Yakin’s side claimed a crucial win with two goals in the space of 11 minutes from Rubén Vargas and Johan Manzambi.
After a goalless first half, Switzerland opened the scoring 40 seconds into the second half as Johan Manzambi’s cross found its way to Rubén Vargas, who took a touch before firing an unstoppable shot into the net, making it 1-0.
11 minutes later, Switzerland doubled their lead through Manzambi who continued his brilliant form in the tournament. Experienced striker Breel Embolo set up the youngster, who thumped a first-time shot through the gloves of goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau, making it 2-0.
More Read
Canada reduced the deficit in the 76th minute as substitute Promise David scored with his first touch, setting up a nervy finish. However, Switzerland defended resiliently for the rest of the game, protecting their one-goal advantage to qualify to the knockout stage as Group B winners.
In the other group clash, Bosnia and Herzegovina secured a 3-1 win over Qatar courtesy of two first half goals and a late second half strike from Ermin Mahmic.
The results means that Switzerland finish top of Group B with seven points, while Canada and Bosnia end second and third respectively with four points each. Qatar are eliminated as they end their campaign bottom of the group with one point.
Despite finishing third, Bosnia have a huge chance of going through to the round of 32 as one of the best 3rd placed teams. Four points should be enough for the European side, as eight other teams will qualify for the next round through that route.
© Bold Sports Media. All rights reserved. If sharing, kindly credit Bold Sports as the source and include a link to the original post. Unauthorised use is prohibited.
