Switzerland and Canada through to FIFA World Cup round of 32, Bosnia's fate in the balance

Switzerland secured top spot in Group B with a composed 2-1 victory over Canada, while Bosnia and Herzegovina kept their knockout hopes alive by defeating Qatar 3-1 on a dramatic final matchday.

Canada were on four points and Switzerland started the afternoon level knowing a win would secure top spot and Murat Yakin's side approached the contest with their typical discipline. Instead of an open contest, the Swiss concentrated on controlling the central spaces, using their midfield pair to disrupt Canada’s transition game and deny service to the front line.

Canada had periods of possession but couldn’t break through Switzerland’s tight defensive block. The turning point came soon after the interval when the Swiss increased the intensity of their pressing. Switzerland’s relentless out-of-possession approach finally reaped its rewards with Ruben Vargas breaking the deadlock with a well-timed turnover in midfield. The group leaders responded immediately when Johan Manzambi scored in the 57th minute of the game.

Canada pushed harder and with more urgency with first place on the line. But the direct running of the Swiss and their substitutions of attackers eventually brought them a goal in the 76th minute and a tense finish, but the Swiss defensive organisation held firm. They saw out the closing stages in comfortable defence of crosses and second balls to finish the group unbeaten on seven points. Canada, meanwhile, finished second to book their place in the round of 32.

Bosnia and Herzegovina delivered their best performance of the tournament against Qatar. Bosnia knew only a win would give them a realistic chance of progressing and they played with a lot more intensity than in their previous outings. They kept the pressure up and that caused Qatar to make mistakes and their quick switches of play opened up spaces behind the opposition full-backs.

Bosnia opened the scoring in the 29th minute after sustained pressure in the attacking third, Kerim Alajbegovic finding the net. A second came just five minutes later as midfield runners exploited the gap between Qatar's defence and midfield.

Now, Bosnia never relinquished control of the game despite a brief scare when Qatar cut the deficit to one goal. Their midfield set the pace and their front line kept stretching the game on the counter. A third goal in the middle of the second half effectively ended the contest and capped an impressive tactical performance. The result put Bosnia on four points. They come third, which is perhaps enough to secure a place in the Round of 32, but that will only be known after all the matches are completed.