Swiss Strike Late to Earn 2-1 Win Over Canada
Full-Time: Switzerland 2-1 Canada
Canada enters its final group-stage match against Switzerland on Wednesday with a chance to reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time while staying on home soil.
With a win or draw against the Swiss, Canada would win the group and play a round-of-32 game at BC Place.
Switzerland, which entered as the favorite in the group, has all but clinched a spot in the next round. While Switzerland is highly likely to advance regardless of Wednesday’s result, a first-place finish has perks: an extra four days of rest and a more favorable path through the tournament.
Switzerland has won its World Cup group just once in its history, in 2006.
Switzerland hold on to secure a hard-fought victory and top Group B, booking their place in the Round of 32. After a goalless first half, the Swiss struck immediately after the restart through Ruben Vargas before Johan Manzambi doubled the lead with an hour played.
Canada looked beaten at 2-0 down, but substitute Promise David changed the game, scoring with his first touch to set up a tense finale. Canada threw everything forward in the closing stages, with Derek Cornelius, Promise David and Alistair Johnston all going close, but Gregor Kobel produced several crucial saves to preserve the win.
