ANALYSIS – Switzerland’s (also known as Nati) tough defence played a big role in the 2-1 win at Vancouver Stadium (BC Place). They showed the world why they were the highest-ranked team in Group B.
Switzerland’s Tough Defence Leads to a 2-1 Win at Vancouver Stadium
Switzerland’s Tough Defence Was Noticeable
Switzerland’s defence was solid throughout the game. They were many different scenarios, where they were able to defend Canada in many different parts of the game. Some examples included:
- Nico Elvedi blocked Jonathan David’s shot.
- Elvedi and Manuel Akanji made good defensive plays and clearances.
Switzerland most of the time was aware of the danger and knew when to defend. Some of these defenders are world-class and have played for some of the best teams in the world. Getting that 2-0 lead was crucial, but the only reason why they maintained that lead, even though they gave up a goal, was that experience on the backline.
Rubén Vargas Played Well
Rubén Vargas played well for Switzerland. He got himself into dangerous positions to score, and he was awarded. His positioning was a big reason why the Nati scored the opening goal of the game.
Johan Manzambi delivered a great pass, but it was meant for another player, as he was defended well. The ball went to Vargas, who scored the first goal of the game.
One other example included:
- His shot in the very early stages of the game was stopped by CANMNT goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau.
Vargas has continued to play well. He also scored in the 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, and is in top form, scoring two goals in two games. He will be a player to watch for any team facing Switzerland in the Round of 16.
CANMNT’s Promise David Scored His First-Ever FIFA World Cup Goal
The CANMNT’s Promise David has officially opened his account in the FIFA World Cup, as he scored his first-ever World Cup goal.
It was a fantastic pass from Nathan Saliba, who delivered a fantastic cross to P. David. However, P. David’s first touch was spectacular as it went straight into the back of the net.
It is a memory he will remember forever. However, there are two players who had notable performances, which were Ali Ahmed and Nathan Saliba.
READ MORE: Nathan Saliba: A Promising CANMNT Midfielder
Other Factors: Ali Ahmed and Nathan Saliba Stepped Up
Nathan Saliba has now made an impact in two straight games. In the game against Qatar, he assisted on Jonathan David’s hat-trick and scored a goal of his own. Then, with Switzerland, he assisted in P. David’s goal, halving Switzerland’s lead.
READ MORE: CANMNT Head Coach Jesse Marsch: His Journey as a Pro Player
Ahmed also looked impressive. Some examples of what he did included:
- He passed the ball to Cyle Larin in a dangerous scoring position.
- Ali Ahmed earned a foul in favour of Canada.
- Ahmed put himself in a great position, as he got a great pass from Jonathan David, but was unable to convert.
The problem for Canada, though, was not starting well in the first and second halves. This is what CANMNT head coach Jesse Marsch said about it, according to the FIFA YouTube Account on June 24, 2026:
He also talked about why both Stephen Eustáquio and Alphonso Davies did not play today, according to the FIFA YouTube Account on June 24, 2026:
“Look Steph we wanted hi, to start but he didn’t feel like was ready to go. So we felt like he was like a 30-minute limit. So that’s what we did,” Marsch said. “And to be honest Alphonso wasn’t ready yet. So, I was using him a little bit of the decoy. However, he will be ready next match.”
READ MORE: Jacob Shaffelburg: The Maritime Messi
Games Coming Up For Both Teams
READ MORE: Jesse Marsch: How His Coaching Path Led to the CANMNT Job
The CANMNT will play South Africa at Los Angeles Stadium (Sofi Stadium) in Inglewood, California, on Sunday. That game will take place at 3:00 pm ET (12:00 pm PT or local time). That game will be shown on TSN, RDS, and CTV. A win for Canada means, for the first time in the national team’s history, they qualify for the Round of 16 (this is also the case for South Africa), so a lot is at stake.
As for Switzerland, they will face one of the eight best third-place teams in Groups E, F, G, I, and J, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. That game will take place at 5:00 pm ET (8:00 pm PT or local time).
Photo Credit: CANMNT Official X Account on June 24, 2026.
