Vancouver welcomes the tournament's quiet overachievers. Switzerland finished top of Group B unbeaten, chasing a fourth consecutive World Cup Round of 16, and they have done it with midfield control and defensive discipline rather than fireworks. The exception is 19-year-old Johan Manzambi, whose three goals and an assist have him in the Young Player Award conversation and give an otherwise pragmatic side a genuine spark in the final third.

Algeria are here on adrenaline after a wild 3-3 with Austria — a stoppage-time equaliser conceded and all — that snuck them through third in Group J. Riyad Mahrez still lights up an attack capable of hurting anyone, but the defence behind it is porous, and Algeria are chasing a first-ever knockout win having last fallen to eventual champions Germany in 2014. Against Switzerland's organisation that leakiness looms large. Expect the Swiss to control possession, take their moments, and ride out an Algerian goal. 2-1, Switzerland managing the tie the way they managed the group.