It was a group stage "final" and they didn't let their chance to finish top slip away. Having built momentum against Bosnia and Herzegovina (a 4-1 victory) after a disappointing draw against Qatar in their World Cup opener (1-1), Denis Zakaria's teammates finally confirmed their progress this Wednesday against Canada. Despite the support of their fans in Vancouver, the World Cup co-hosts logically lost their third match (2-1).
Embolo decisive on the second goal 🎯
After a lackluster first half, Switzerland took control of their destiny with an early opening goal after the break through Ruben Vargas (1-0, 46'). This first goal was quickly followed by a second blow for the Canadians, caught out by young Johan Manzambi on the counter-attack, set up perfectly by former Monaco player Breel Embolo, who was starting up front for Switzerland (2-0, 57')!
At least three Monaco players in the Round of 32 🇲🇨
It was a strike that would prove decisive, even though the host nation would reduce the deficit in the final quarter of an hour (2-1, 76'). Thus, with a second consecutive victory and first place secured, the Swiss national team finished the World Cup group stage, confirming their place in the Round of 32. Denis Zakaria, a substitute in this match, and his teammates will now face one of the best third-placed teams on July 3rd.
The captain of the Rouge et Blanc is also the third AS Monaco player to secure his place in the next round of the tournament, after Folarin Balogun with the United States and Maghnes Akliouche with France. Daghe Denis! 👏
* Cover photo credit: Icon Sport
