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Vladimir Petkovic has urged Algeria to move on after their 2-0 defeat to Switzerland ended the Desert Foxes’ World Cup 2026 campaign in the Round of 32.
Early goals in each half from Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye powered Switzerland into the Round of 16 for the fourth consecutive World Cup.
Switzerland will remain in Vancouver, where they will next take on either Colombia or Ghana on 7 July.
Petkovic Rues Difficult Defeat
Reflecting on the match, Petkovic pointed to the start of the second half as the turning point.
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The Bosnian admitted there were regrets from the game, but maintained that Algeria’s run should be regarded as a historic step forward for the country’s football.
“I think the second goal was the decisive one. We played well in the first half, but we couldn’t convert our chances until they scored their first goal. We couldn’t adjust to that first goal,” Petkovic told reporters after the game.
Desert Foxes Punished For Lack Of Efficiency
Petkovic insisted Algeria were not outclassed, but punished for their lack of efficiency.
“We defended well. But in the round of 32, we should have adapted better to our opponent. They had three chances and scored two goals, while we had many more opportunities,” he regretted.
“Reaching the round of 32 after twelve years is still historic. We must see the glass as half full. Time will heal all wounds.”
