Switzerland and Algeria will meet in the nightcap of Thursday’s World Cup Round of 32 matches in Vancouver.
The Swiss qualified for the knockout phase for a fourth straight tournament after stealing Group B first-place honors from host nation Canada in the final match of group play.
After an opening draw with Qatar, Switzerland rebounded with a 4-1 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina before spoiling Canada’s chance to play on home soil in the knockout phase with a 2-1 win over the Reds.
Johan Manzambi has made a breakthrough for Switzerland alongside Rubén Vargas, and these two attacking midfielders may maintain their offensive surge against Algeria’s vulnerable defense.
The Swiss are -200 favorites to advance, entering with +100 odds on the moneyline, while Algeria comes in as a +320 moneyline underdog on bet365 Sportsbook.
Switzerland vs. Algeria prediction, best bet
Withstanding a Lionel Messi hat trick in your opening match of group play is not ideal, but Algeria did just that and still somehow managed to claw its way into the Round of 32.
Les Fennecs recovered from the 3-0 loss to Argentina, defeating Jordan and scoring three goals in a shootout draw against Austria to finish third in Group J.
Algeria excels in a track-meet style of play, as their leading goalscorer, Riyad Mahrez, plays the central half better than most. Mahrez’s late goal in stoppage time against Austria just lifted his team into the knockout stage.
Scoring may not come as easily this time around, especially with Manuel Akanji, one of the more underrated defenders remaining in the Cup, manning a Swiss backline that’s allowed only 3 goals.
There is a good chance Algeria may try to speed things up against the Swiss, but that would be alarming for their defense, which conceded 2.33 goals per game during the group stage.
Switzerland prefers a more methodical, tactical approach, targeting the left flank to its advantage. The hot hand of Manzambi, combined with the experience of Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo in the middle of the field, can exploit holes in Algeria’s defensive strategy.
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In addition, the Swiss averaged 2.33 goals per outing across three group-stage matches and generated 10 big chances. While upsets have been the trend, Switzerland’s big-game experience and versatility on both ends should see them through to the Round of 16 unscathed.
The Swiss should be able to slow Algeria’s quick pace by dominating possession, and Akanji’s presence should nullify any Les Fennecs’ counterattacks.
The Play: Switzerland moneyline (+100, bet365)
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