Swiss forward Briel Embolo has praised Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic for developing the Swiss national team during his seven years at the helm.
Embolo and the Swiss will face Algeria and its former coach on Thursday in Vancouver, British Columbia, with both teams meeting in the Round of 32. world cup.
Petkovic coached Switzerland from July 2014 to 2021. He led his team to the round of 16 at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and led Switzerland to the quarter-finals for the first time at the 2020 European Championship.
Embolo was first called up to the senior national team in 2015 and was selected by coach Petkovic for the 2018 World Cup squad.
“Yes, he is a coach who knows me very well, not just me. I think he knows many players. But personally speaking, no, nothing changes on my side. We’re going to take that into account and play the soccer that we’re used to. We’re going to work together as a group and go in there 100%. We believe that if we play to our strengths, we’ll get what we need to get to the next round.
“And obviously I’m going to go say hi to him after the game.”
The feeling was mutual.
“The world of football has become universal. Everyone knows each other. There are no real secrets left in the game,” Petkovic said. “I don’t think it’s a big advantage to know someone or anyone else. The players know me as much as I know them and it’s a great pleasure to play against them. It’s nice to meet and greet them, but then the players will be out on the pitch and we’re expecting a tough game for sure. We’ll need to give 120% against a very decent Swiss inside team to win the game.”
Algeria, returning to the World Cup for the first time since 2014, were aiming for their first victory in the finals. At the Brazil World Cup, Algeria made it through the group stage, but were eliminated in the first match against eventual champions Germany.
Switzerland has advanced to the last 16 in the past three World Cups, but only 32 teams participated. 48 teams participated in this year’s tournament.
Algeria is breaking away Thrilling 3-3 draw with Austria Saturday in Kansas City. Algeria took the lead in stoppage time, but Austria fought back in the final play of the match to close the gap. As a result, both teams advanced to the final tournament, with Iran eliminated.
For the Swiss, Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi scored the goals. Beat Canada 2-1 The Canadians were hoping for a win or a draw as they play their Round of 32 match at home.
In exchange, Switzer got a round-trip ticket to Vancouver. The team took a week off, during which they returned to their practice base in San Diego.
Even Swiss coach Murat Jakin has connections with the 62-year-old Bosnian manager, having interned under him at Swiss club Young Boys many years ago. Petkovic was appointed as Algeria national team coach in February 2024 after a spell at French club Bordeaux.
“I really appreciate the way he works, the way he treats his players and the way he makes them play,” Yakin said. “The players know him and he knows most of the players. That can be a strength or a weakness, but in the five years since then, our style of football has changed and evolved. He has helped the team qualify for many tournaments. It’s all thanks to him and I’m very happy to see him tomorrow.”
Petkovic understands that it will be interesting to coach against his former team, but stressed that he will not be playing against the Swiss national team. It’s his players.
“It’s definitely a match between two teams who play good football. These two teams want to get a solid result. Switzerland have announced that they will at least advance to the quarter-finals, so they need to do that. They have already secured two big goals, not only to qualify for the entire World Cup, but also to be eliminated from their group,” Petkovic said. “I really want to be involved in this game, but I also really want to win the games and keep going.”
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