Super-subs turned starters: Manzambi and Vargas fire Switzerland past Canada to top Group B

Switzerland beat co-hosts Canada 2-1 at BC Place to win Group B, the Bosnia super-subs Rubén Vargas and Johan Manzambi scoring again as starters. Both teams advance, with Canada reaching the knockout stage for the first time in their history.

Switzerland finished the job in style. A 2-1 win over co-hosts Canada at BC Place clinched top spot in Group B, with the same two substitutes who rescued them against Bosnia, now starters, doing the damage again. Both sides go through, and Canada reach the World Cup knockouts for the first time in their history.

Switzerland struck almost the moment the second half began. Thirty-nine seconds after the restart Rubén Vargas latched onto a Johan Manzambi pass and finished, a lightning start that stunned Canada before they had settled.

Manzambi made it two on fifty-seven minutes, this time finding the net himself. The 20-year-old followed up his heroics against Bosnia with another big night, the teenager off the bench now the starter who decides games.

Canada refused to lie down. On seventy-six minutes substitute Promise David volleyed in an instant response off a clever pass to make it 2-1 and set up a tense finish.

And tense it was. Canada threw everything at the equaliser, late headers flashing just wide, but Gregor Kobel held firm in the Switzerland goal. The hosts had thirteen shots to Switzerland's six, yet the Swiss carried the clinical edge, and the goalkeeper, when it counted.

The result confirms Switzerland as Group B winners on seven points, unbeaten and full of momentum. For Canada there is history even in defeat, a place in the knockout rounds for the first time ever, a milestone for the co-hosts and the home crowd that packed BC Place. Bosnia and Herzegovina finish third, Qatar bottom.

Switzerland's late surge against Bosnia and a steady win over Qatar set up this group-topping finish, while Canada's opening win over Qatar and a draw with Bosnia did just enough. Both march on.

For Kenya, there is plenty to enjoy here. Switzerland's match-winner Manzambi carries Congolese roots, one of several African-heritage talents in a Swiss side that also features Breel Embolo, while Canada's rise has been powered by names like Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies. Damu ya Afrika iko kila pembe ya dunia: African blood is in every corner of the world. Our Europe round-one verdict tipped Switzerland to go far, and they have topped their group with something to spare.