ADVISORY: IGNORE SPD1Vancouver, June 25 -- Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi struck within 11 minutes of the second half as Switzerland defeated Canada 2-1 to snatch top spot in Group B and march into the FIFA World Cup knockout stage as group winners on Thursday.
In a high-stakes clash that decided the group leadership, Switzerland produced a clinical second-half display to overturn the standings and finish unbeaten on seven points, while Canada settled for second place despite a spirited late fightback in front of a packed home crowd at BC Place.
After a cautious opening 45 minutes, the Swiss wasted no time asserting themselves after the restart. Vargas stunned the hosts by finding the net just 39 seconds into the second half, finishing o...