Switzerland, Canada advance to knockout stage of WC

Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi scored to give Switzerland a 2-1 victory over Canada in Group B of the FIFA World Cup on Wednesday as both teams advanced to the knockout stage, reported Xinhua.

Manzambi, 20, who impressed off the bench with two goals in Switzerland's 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina last Thursday, earned a start against Canada.

Assisted by Manzambi, Vargas broke the deadlock early in the second half, as his strike sailed past Canada goalkeeper, hit the post and crossed the line. In the 57th minute, Breel Embolo crossed for Manzambi, whose finish made it 2-0.

Switzerland defender Manuel Akanji praised Manzambi after the match. "We need player like this that are creative, he sees things that maybe others don't see or are not capable of doing."

Canada pulled a goal back in the 76th minute when Promise David scored with his first touch shortly after coming on as a substitute.

"We did not secure at least a draw, it means that we have to leave here for the next game," David said. "We are kind of disappointed about that. But we scored a lot in all three games, I think we did show a new level of attacking football."

Also in Group B, Qatar finished bottom and was eliminated after a 3-1 loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina, which sits third with four points and still has hopes of reaching the knockout stage.

Switzerland will face one of the best third-placed teams from Group E, F, G, I or J in Vancouver in the round of 32. Canada, which needed a win or draw to top the group and stay on home soil, now must travel to Los Angeles for its next match against the Group A runner-up.