Expert Picks

The Swiss are ranked 13 spots higher in the world than Algeria, and it has been a tough Round of 32 so far for the African nations other than Morocco. Current Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic coached Switzerland from July 2014 to 2021. Led by Johan Manzambi, Switzerland didn't lose in group play, while Algeria got pounded by Argentina and allowed three goals in a draw against Austria. Algeria has never won a knockout round match. The Fennecs are winless in their last nine World Cup matches against European opposition (five losses).

Switzerland got off to a slow start with a 1-1 draw against Qatar, but since then, the Swiss have been clinical, beating Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1 and then Canada 2-1. Algeria went 1-1-1 during the group stage, with their only victory coming against Jordan (2-1). Algeria has never won a World Cup knockout round match, and I expect Switzerland to walk away with the victory on Thursday.

Switzerland should play with confidence after topping their group. They could only draw with Qatar in their World Cup opener, but they absolutely dominated that game. The Swiss bounced back by beating Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1 and Canada 2-1. They should have too much quality for Algeria, who finished third in their group. Algeria’s only win came against a weak Jordan team in the group stage, and they could come unstuck against this impressive Swiss team.