Vladimir Petkovic has called on Algeria to โsee the glass half fullโ after their 2-0 loss to Switzerland ended the Desert Foxesโ 2026 World Cup journey in the round of 32 in Vancouver.
The Bosnian coach admitted there were regrets, but insisted this campaign should still be viewed as a historic step forward for Algerian football.
Reflecting on the match, Petkovic pointed to the start of the second half as the turning point. โI think the second goal was the decisive one. We played well in the first half, but we couldn’t convert our chances until they scored their first goal. We couldn’t adjust to that first goal,โ he explained.
He congratulated his former adopted country for their performance: โI congratulate the Swiss team, who played a great match. They were hesitant in the first half, but they changed in the second. They were much better.โ
Petkovic insisted Algeria were not outclassed, but punished for their lack of efficiency. โWe defended well. But in the round of 32, we should have adapted better to our opponent. They had three chances and scored two goals, while we had many more opportunities,โ he regretted.
He then urged everyone to keep perspective: โReaching the round of 32 after twelve years is still historicรขโฌยฆ We must see the glass as half full. Time will heal all wounds.โ Finally, he assumed full responsibility for his game plan, saying: โI take full responsibility for my tactics.โ
