Riyad Mahrez has announced his retirement from international football after Algeria’s 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32.
The Desert Foxes saw their tournament come to an end in Vancouver as goals from Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye secured a deserved victory for the Swiss, who progressed to the last 16 where they will face either Colombia or Ghana.
Mahrez, who captained Algeria in what proved to be his final international appearance, confirmed after the match that he was bringing the curtain down on a distinguished career with the national team. The 35-year-old finishes with 119 caps and 40 goals, leaving as one of Algeria’s greatest-ever players.
“Our aim was to go through, and I think it was a game we could have won,” Mahrez said after the defeat. “But we conceded twice from mistakes and, at this level, you can’t get away with it. We managed to get out of the group stage, but we conceded too many goals to aspire for more. This was my last match with Algeria.”
Switzerland were worthy winners, creating the better chances throughout the contest and producing another disciplined defensive display. Murat Yakin’s side registered 11 shots and controlled the game after Embolo’s first-half opener before Ndoye doubled their advantage early in the second period.
Yakin praised his players for their tactical discipline and defensive organisation, insisting they deserved to progress after limiting Algeria’s attacking threat.
“It was a very good defensive performance,” the Switzerland boss said. “We defended solidly in every phase of the game and scored at the right moments. I’m really happy with the overall performance.”
The victory ended Switzerland’s long wait for a World Cup knockout victory, their first since 1938, while also marking the first time they have won three matches at a single World Cup.
For Algeria, the defeat signals the end of an era as Mahrez bids farewell to international football.
