Switzerland Targets Round-of-32 Win Over Algeria After Scoring 7 Goals in 2 Matches
Updated
Updated · Sports Illustrated · Jul 3
Switzerland Targets Round-of-32 Win Over Algeria After Scoring 7 Goals in 2 Matches
3 articles · Updated · Sports Illustrated · Jul 3
Summary
Seven goals in wins over Bosnia and Herzegovina and Canada have revived Switzerland after its opening draw with Qatar, giving it momentum entering the round-of-32 tie with Algeria.
Switzerland's surge has been driven by unusually aggressive attacking numbers — 6.67 expected goals, 55% possession and 66 crosses into the box across those two victories.
Algeria also arrives in form after rebounding from an opening loss to Argentina with a 2-1 win over Jordan and a 3-3 draw against Austria to reach the knockout stage.
A 14% shot conversion rate has made Algeria dangerous despite fewer chances, outperforming several bigger nations including England, Morocco, Spain and Belgium.
The teams have met only twice, both in the 1980s, with Switzerland winning each time, leaving little recent head-to-head guidance for this matchup.