ANALYSIS: Canada fall to Switzerland but ADVANCE to knockouts ⬆️ (Ep. 15) | bet365 FOR THE WIN 🏆

Canada NT

Canada battled to a 2-1 loss against Switzerland in Vancouver to round out their group stage campaign, but advance to the knockout round, where they will face South Africa, after finishing 2nd in Group B. Here's our analysis show breaking it all down.

First point vs. Bosnia, first win vs. Qatar, and now, despite a 2-1 loss to Switzerland in their final World Cup group match, the Canadian men's national team advanced to the knockout stage for the first time.

The full-time whistle at BC Place brought bittersweet emotions, as it secured history for the Canadian team, but ended a late push for a draw — a result which would have seen them finish first in their group.

If they'd finished top of Group B, they would have stayed on Canadian soil in Vancouver for the Round of 32, as well as the Round of 16 if they advanced further. Instead, it's down south to Los Angeles, where they face South Africa on Sunday afternoon.

After a cagey opening 45 minutes, mostly dominated territorially by Switzerland but with few clear-cut chances for either side, the Swiss cut Canada open less than a minute into the second half.

A breakdown at the back saw 20-year-old Johan Manzambi square for a wide-open Rubén Vargas at the back post.

Ten minutes later, Manzambi was the beneficiary of more calamitous Canadian defending, as the brilliant Swiss attacker smashed a shot through the hands of Max Crépeau in the Canadian net.

Canada did have a significant moment of joy and hope on a tremendous goal from Promise David, after Nathan Saliba showed exceptional skill and control to beat his man in the box and send in a cross. David stabbed at the ball in mid-air and directed it into the net to cut the Swiss lead in half.

With the stadium roaring to life, Canada made a significant late push, and had some great chances to earn a dramatic draw. But the Swiss held on to win the match and the group's top spot.

Canada will now face South Africa, who defeated South Korea 1-0 on Wednesday night to secure second place in Group A -- and like Canada a first-ever berth in the knockout stage. Following the win, South Africa moved up to 54th in the rankings, 23 spots below Canada who currently sit in 31st.

Below the 49th parallel, however, the mission doesn't change: make more history. First point, first win, advancing out of their group — now Canada looks for a first win in the knockout stage.

Lead Photo: Michael Chisholm / OneSoccer