Switzerland defeated Canada 2-1 in a pulsating match at BC Place on Wednesday, securing top spot in Group B and the right to stay in Vancouver for the knockout stages. Canada, meanwhile, must travel to Los Angeles to face South Africa in the last 32 on a four-day turnaround.
Davies unused as decoy
Canada coach Jesse Marsch admitted after the match that star player Alphonso Davies was never fit to play, despite being listed as a substitute. “Alphonso wasn’t ready yet so I was using him a little bit as a decoy,” Marsch said. “I wanted Switzerland to have to think about it.” Switzerland coach Murat Yakin was unfazed: “Right now we only react on what is happening on the pitch.”
Switzerland's second-half burst
The match was goalless at half-time, but Switzerland struck twice in 12 minutes after the break. Ruben Vargas opened the scoring 40 seconds into the second half, finishing at the back post after a cross from Johan Manzambi. Manzambi then added the second in the 57th minute, bundling home after defensive errors from Canada’s Derek Cornelius and Luc de Fougerolles.
Canada pulled one back in the 76th minute through substitute Promise David, who volleyed home after a cross from Nathan Saliba. The goal sparked hope, but Switzerland held on for the win.
Injury-hit Canada
Canada played without several key players. Ismaël Koné, who suffered a leg injury in a previous match, was wheeled onto the pitch on crutches to a huge ovation. Stephen Eustáquio was not fit to start, forcing Marsch to deploy both Nathan Saliba and Mathieu Choinière in midfield. “We wanted to be here in Vancouver, but we still have a massive opportunity ahead of us,” Marsch said.
Group B standings
Switzerland finished top with 7 points, Canada second with 4, Bosnia-Herzegovina third with 4, and Qatar bottom with 1. Canada’s defeat means they lose home advantage for the knockout stage.
