Switzerland edge out co-host Canada to top Group B of the FIFA World Cup football tournament as the latter also ensured a historic spot in the knockout rounds.
Meanwhile, Qatar’s FIFA World Cup campaign came to an end following a 3-1 defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in their concluding Group B tie.
Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi fired Switzerland to top spot in Group B, sealing a 2-1 win over the Canadians.
With the top two teams in the pool meeting in Vancouver, both knew that a victory would ensure first place in the group and, in theory, a kinder draw in the knockout stages.
Vargas and Manzambi’s second-half strikes were enough to ensure the Swiss finished on seven points, while Promise David pulled a goal back in the final 15 minutes for Canada but they finished up three points behind their opponent but reach the last 32 for the first time in their history.
Breel Embolo was presented with a golden chance to open the scoring for the Swiss after 10 minutes but could only fire straight at the goalkeeper before Manzambi struck the rebound into the chest of a defender.
Canada’s first big opportunity to break the deadlock arrived just after the half-hour as striker Cyle Larin cut in on his right foot and tried to bend the ball beyond Gregor Kobel.
The Swiss stopper was called into action again shortly before half-time as he dropped down to his right to palm a tame Ali Ahmed effort wide of his near post.
After an entertaining first half, the match sparked into life seconds after the interval as Vargas gave Switzerland lift-off.
A simple ball down the line released Manzambi, whose cross from the right evaded everyone until the 27-year-old popped up in acres of space at the back post and took an excellent first touch before rifling past Maxime Crepeau.
Manzambi then put the cherry on a fine performance as he netted his third of the tournament on 57 minutes, profiting from some poor goalkeeping to squeeze in a right-footed shot after decent hold-up play on the edge of the box by Embolo.
Canada boss Jesse Marsch responded by making three substitutions, including sending on LAFC midfielder Stephen Eustaquio.
Jonathan David, who scored a hat-trick in Canada’s last outing, turned sharply in the Swiss box and fired an effort at goal as the co-hosts tried to get a foot back in the match before the second hydration break, but Nico Elvedi flung himself in the ball’s path.
But moments after the three-minute break, Promise David, who had just entered the field, gave Canada hope as he stretched to turn in a sublime ball from Nathan Saliba.
The goal set up a grandstand finish with a leveller for Canada certain to send them through as group winners.
The Canadians came close from a couple of set-pieces at the match’s climax but Switzerland held on to claim top spot.
End of the road for Canada
Qatar’s defeat at the Seattle Stadium meant Qatar ended their journey on the global stage with a single point while victory took Bosnia-Herzegovina within touching distance of the knockout stage.
Bosnia flew out of the blocks as soon as the whistle went, testing goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada twice inside the first four minutes.
First Abunada denied Ermedin Demirovic’s fierce drive and then he tipped away Ivan Sunjic’s shot.
Bosnia’s dominance finally paid off but it was not to be 40-year-old talisman Edin Dzeko who broke the deadlock but the sublimely-talented teenage left winger Kerim Alajbegovic, the nation’s youngest ever FIFA World Cup player.
Abunada was unable to do anything about Alajbegovic’s screamer from outside the area in the 29th minute, after he had beaten two players.
The youngster was mobbed by his teammates and once they had trotted back to the halfway line he stood and milked the moment, putting a finger to his lips.
Dzeko, winning his 150th cap, came more and more into the game and not wishing to have his thunder stolen by the new kid on the block he played an integral role in their second five minutes later.
His shot took a wicked deflection off Sultan Al Brake and then Abunada on its way into the net.
Dzeko was well into his stride now and he broke clear a few minutes later, his shot beating Abunada but rebounding off the post.
Bosnia’s earlier sprightliness dipped in the heat and it was the doyen of Qatari football Hassan Al Haydos who repaid coach Julen Lopetegui’s faith in slotting home in the 42nd minute.
The Bosnian defence failed to learn from that and in time added on they had the far post to thank for keeping their noses in front as Pedro Miguel’s shot came back off it.
Al Haydos’s FIFA World Cup, and perhaps his distinguished international career, ended in tears as he trudged disconsolately off the pitch injured in the 55th minute.
Chances were few and far between until Esmir stole in from the right wing and came close to emulating Alajbegovic’s effort but Abunada turned it away for a corner.
Bosnian frustration gave way to ecstasy when Ermin Mahmic prodded the ball home – the scorer ripping his shirt off in celebration and the 21-year-old paid little notice to being booked for it.
