Switzerland's first World Cup knockout win since 1938

Switzerland beat Algeria 2-0 in the Round of 32, and in doing so recorded their first World Cup knockout-stage win since 1938 — an 88-year gap that finally came to an end.

It wasn't a flashy performance, but it was an efficient one: Switzerland controlled long stretches of the game, limited Algeria's attacking threats, and made the most of the chances that came their way. Algeria pushed for a way back into the game in the second half but couldn't break down a Swiss defence that, once it settled into the match, gave almost nothing away.

For a team that's often flown under the radar at major tournaments, this result is a real statement. Switzerland have now gone through the group stage and into the knockout rounds without a loss, a run that few people outside their own camp were predicting before the tournament started. There's a quiet, disciplined quality to how this Swiss side plays that doesn't always draw headlines, but results like this one are starting to make people take notice.

Switzerland now face Colombia in the Round of 16 on July 7, and this is likely to be a much tougher test of whether their run has real staying power. Colombia have played with more pace and flair through the tournament so far, and it's a different kind of challenge to the more containable games Switzerland have faced up to this point. If Switzerland can bring the same discipline and game management that got them past Algeria, they'll give themselves a real chance. If Colombia are allowed to play at their preferred tempo, though, this could be the game where Switzerland's run finally meets its match.