Switzerland fight off late Canada barrage to claim Group B top spot

Switzerland claimed top spot in Group B after silencing the home fans in Vancouver with a 2-1 win over Canada.

Jesse Marsch's side headed into the game knowing a point would be enough to top the group thanks to their superior goal difference, but a second-half flurry from the Swiss left shell-shocked and forced to settle for second.

After a first half in which neither side wanted to impose themselves on proceedings, Ruben Vargas burst the game into life with a fierce strike 40 seconds into the second half to give Murat Yakin's side the advantage.

That lead was doubled just 10 minutes later as Johan Manzambi capitalised on poor defending to squeeze an effort underneath Maxime Crepeau who should have done better.

Promise David did pull one back for Canada with his first touch off the bench, but it wasn't enough. Defeat for the host nation means that they will not have the luxury of remaining in Vancouver for their round of 32 tie. As things stand, South Korea would be the likely opponent for the Canadians in Los Angeles, while Switzerland could be in line to face Belgium.

More to follow...

• As it happened | Teams | Stats | Group K guide
• World Cup day-by-day schedule | Latest: World Cup
• Follow our World Cup coverage in the Sky Sports App

The key moments from Vancouver...

• 11: Embolo wastes good early chance for Switzerland

• 46: GOAL! Vargas fires Switzerland ahead 40 seconds into the second half

• 57: GOAL! Manzambi makes it two after calamitous defending

• 68: Elvedi makes great block to deny David from halving deficit

• 76: GOAL! David pulls one back 73 seconds after introduction!

• 90+3: David is denied a second and late equaliser by Kobel

• 90+6: Kobel needed again to keep out Canada late on

What the result means...

Player ratings: