Switzerland Top Group B as Canada Make History With First Ever Knockout Qualification

Switzerland beat co-hosts Canada 2-1 in Vancouver on Wednesday to win Group B and book their place in the round of 32. 

Goals from Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi in the opening 12 minutes of the second half did the damage, with Promise David's late consolation not enough to spark a comeback. Despite the defeat, Canada still go through as group runners-up, reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history.

The result means Switzerland become only the fourth nation to qualify for the last 32 in each of the last four World Cups, joining Brazil, Argentina and France. They will face one of the third-placed teams from Groups E through J in Vancouver on July 3.

Canada, however, have given up their home advantage by finishing second. Their next game will be in Los Angeles on June 28 against the runners-up of Group A, meaning they will not play another match on home soil.

The first half was tight and offered little in the way of clear chances. Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka, making his 149th international appearance, marshalled his side well, with Breel Embolo going closest when his effort from inside the box was well saved by Maxime Crepeau. Canada, who had put six past Qatar the week before, managed just three shots on target before the break.

The second half was a different story. Vargas broke the deadlock within a minute of the restart, calmly finishing Manzambi's cross to the back post for his second goal of the tournament. Manzambi then got on the scoresheet himself in the 57th minute, finishing from inside the area after some smart hold-up play from Embolo.

Canada gave themselves hope when substitute Promise David scored 76 seconds after coming on to make it 2-1 with 14 minutes left, but Switzerland held on comfortably.

Switzerland finish top of Group B with seven points. Canada are second on four points, level with Bosnia and Herzegovina but ahead on goal difference.

The result is still a landmark moment for Canadian football. The national team had never won a single point at a men's World Cup before this tournament. Reaching the knockout round, even as runners-up, is the furthest they have ever gone.