Switzerland face Algeria as Vargas leads the knockout charge

Round of 32 set: Algeria next

Switzerland topped the group with seven points and now face Algeria in the Round of 32. Seven points from three matches, unbeaten, efficient, and exactly where Murat Yakin wanted you to be. Algeria await, and that is a winnable draw.

Vargas driving the attack

Rubén Vargas has two goals and an assist already. Yakin called the Sevilla winger a "unique profile", high praise from a manager who does not throw words around. He is your most dangerous player heading into the knockouts, and everyone in the squad knows it.

Relaxed camp, serious business

The camp mood is light. Players have been joking about which outfield player would step up as an emergency penalty-saving goalkeeper. That kind of chatter only happens when confidence is high and the group is tight.

Okafor question, Manzambi rising

Not everything has clicked. Noah Okafor remains a puzzle in Yakin's setup, and analysts have pointed to Manzambi as one of the real difference-makers so far. The squad has depth questions as the knockouts begin.

Xhaka and the ghost of 2006

Xhaka to Chelsea talk will not go away, and the captain carries Switzerland's 2006 penalty shootout history with him, three misses against Ukraine still haunt the national memory. No one wants another shootout.

Fan-reaktioner

Switzerland fans on Reddit are tracking Alessandro Romano's move from Roma to Cagliari for €6.5m total. The 20-year-old midfielder has 34 appearances and five goals for Switzerland youth teams, a name to file away for the future. Full details here.