Former Swiss boss faces old side
Vladimir Petkovic returns to haunt old familiar faces on Thursday as his Algeria side meet three-times World Cup quarter-finalists Switzerland in the Round of 32 at BC Place on Friday (9am, Bangladesh time).
The Bosnian-born coach spent seven years in charge of Switzerland between 2014 and 2021, leaving a tactical imprint still evident in the squad he now faces from the opposite dugout.
Switzerland, whose last appearance in the last eight came in 1954, aim to maintain their remarkable consistency shown in the past two decades. They have reached the round of 16 four times in the last five editions since 2006 -- except for the 2010 installment -- but progress beyond that stage has repeatedly eluded them.
Murat Yakin’s side arrive in confident mood after a solid show in the group stage. Manuel Akanji and Granit Xhaka provide leadership and control, while Johan Manzambi has added attacking spark with three goals and an assist, helping to secure top spot in Group B with a 2-1 win over co-hosts Canada.
Algeria, on the other hand, having returned to the World Cup after missing 2018 and 2022, progressed as one of the best third-placed teams following a dramatic 3-3 draw with Austria. Their only previous round-of-16 appearance came in 2014, ending in defeat to eventual winners Germany.
Captain Riyad Mahrez remains central to their hopes as Algeria chase a first-ever win in the knockout stage.
The winners will face Colombia or Ghana in Vancouver in a last-16 clash.
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