Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic admitted his team were punished for errors as they were beaten 2-0 by Switzerland, ending their World Cup run at the round of 32.
Quick facts
- Algeria were eliminated in the World Cup round of 32 after a 2-0 loss to Switzerland.
- Switzerland opened the scoring in the 10th minute through Breel Embolo.
- Dan Ndoye doubled the lead immediately after the break.
- Petkovic said Algeria were made to pay for mistakes and conceded from limited opposition openings.
- Petkovic referenced the World Cup as a major step up for his side.
Switzerland grabbed the lead in the 10th minute when Breel Embolo finished off a fast counter-attack. Dan Ndoye then added a second right after the restart to put Algeria under immediate pressure.
Speaking to reporters, Petkovic said he could not simply pin the outcome on one defensive element, but stressed that the collective way Algeria defended ultimately cost them. He argued the team had been hit “very heavily” for how they handled their defensive responsibilities.
He added that Algeria’s pattern was decisive: whenever they made an early mistake, Switzerland capitalised. Petkovic noted the opposition created three chances and converted two, while Algeria still had more opportunities of their own, but fell short in the decisive moments.
The 62-year-old, who has a long-standing connection to Swiss football and previously spent seven years as national team coach, said the World Cup represents a significant step up. In his view, that jump in level was a key factor in how the match unfolded for Algeria.
