Swiss aim to cross the North Africa hurdle

Vancouver [Canada], July 2: Reaching the World Cup round of 16 has become something of a habit for Switzerland, and they will aim to do so again when they face Algeria in the round of 32 at BC Place on Thursday as the North Africans chase a first knockout-stage victory. Competing at their sixth successive World ​Cup, Switzerland's consistency in qualifying has been matched by the predictability of their exits, with progress ​beyond the round of 16 proving an enduring issue. They were eliminated at that stage in 2006, 2014, 2018 and 2022, and a group-stage exit in 2010 remains the lone exception in an otherwise ​consistent run to the knockout rounds. The Swiss headed into the showpiece event encouraged by an impressive Euro 2024 campaign, ​when a penalty shootout defeat by England denied them a semi-final place. This time, they will believe they can finally break the curse, blending experienced leaders with emerging talent. Manuel Akanji brings composure and title-winning experience from his time at Manchester City and the ​experienced Granit Xhaka anchors their midfield. Algeria's journey has been far more dramatic. Back at the World Cup for the first time since 2014, they advanced as one ​of the tournament's best third-placed teams after a thrilling 3-3 draw with Austria. They have reached ​the round of 16 only once before, in 2014, when they lost to eventual champions Germany. Now they have an opportunity to record the country's first knockout-stage victory at a World Cup. At 35, captain Riyad Mahrez remains Algeria's defining force, contributing two goals and ​an assist in three matches in what could be his final ​World Cup appearance. Coach Vladimir Petkovic also gives Algeria a valuable advantage, having managed Switzerland from 2014 to 2021. The winners will remain in Vancouver and ​face Colombia or Ghana in the round of 16.
Source: Qatar Tribune