Switzerland secured top spot in Group B and booked a return to Vancouver for the knockout stage after defeating co-hosts Canada 2-1.
Breel Embolo played a decisive role in the victory, providing assists for both Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi as the Swiss maintained their unbeaten run and ended Canada’s hopes of a Round of 32 match on home soil.
The visitors threatened early in the contest when Embolo broke through on goal, but goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau produced a vital save before defender Derek Cornelius cleared the danger. Canada responded with chances of their own, with Cyle Larin and Jonathan David testing Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, but neither side could find the breakthrough before halftime.
Switzerland struck less than a minute into the second half. Embolo won possession on the right flank and delivered a cross to Vargas, who fired home to put his side ahead.
The Swiss doubled their advantage in the 57th minute when Manzambi’s effort slipped through Crepeau’s grasp after Embolo had held up play and teed up his teammate.
Canada pulled one back with 14 minutes remaining as Promise David finished Nathan Saliba’s cross with a clinical strike, setting up a tense finale. Richie Laryea and Alistair Johnston pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Switzerland held firm to secure all three points.
Despite the defeat, Canada advanced to the knockout phase after finishing second in the group ahead of Bosnia and Herzegovina on head-to-head record. They will now travel to Los Angeles for their next match.
Reflecting on the result, Canada coach Jesse Marsch remained optimistic.
“We’re going to go to LA, we’re going to go where it’s probably going to be an away crowd and it will be a little bit tougher, but we still want to electrify our country and play really well down there and go after it still.
“We’re exactly where we want to be. We finished second in the group, we’re in the knockout phase and now let’s go for it.”
