Switzerland secured their first FIFA World Cup knockout-stage victory in 88 years after defeating Algeria 2-0 to book a place in the round of 16.

The victory marked Switzerland’s first win in a World Cup knockout match since their triumph over Germany in 1938, ending a decades-long wait and extending their impressive record of reaching the last 16 for a fourth consecutive World Cup.

Murat Yakin’s side made a bright start and took the lead in the 10th minute through Breel Embolo. Johan Manzambi sparked the move with an incisive run down the flank before delivering a precise cutback that Embolo converted from close range.

Switzerland doubled their advantage just 46 seconds into the second half when Dan Ndoye fired home from inside the penalty area, leaving Algeria with a mountain to climb.

Algeria, who were seeking their first-ever World Cup knockout-stage victory, showed glimpses of promise before the break but struggled to create clear scoring opportunities against a disciplined Swiss defence.

Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel was rarely troubled, making his only notable save from a tame effort by Fares Chaibi as Algeria failed to mount a sustained comeback after the interval.

Switzerland nearly extended their lead late in the match when Fabian Rieder found himself unmarked at the back post, but the midfielder failed to make clean contact with the ball, allowing Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane to gather comfortably.

The result sends Switzerland into the round of 16, where they will face the winners of the Colombia versus Ghana fixture at BC Place in Vancouver on July 7.