Goals from Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye in either half were enough to secure Switzerland's victory in Vancouver, ensuring it will face Colombia or Ghana in the Round of 16.

At the age of 35 years and 131 days, Mahrez became the second-oldest African player to start a FIFA World Cup knockout match, after Senegal's Idrissa Gueye (36 years, 278 days) against Belgium one day earlier.

But he was unable to inspire his team to victory and, after 119 caps and 40 goals for Algeria, he has played his final game on the international stage.

"Our aim was to go through, and I think it was a game we could have won," Mahrez said after the game.

"But we conceded twice from mistakes and, at this level, you can't get away with it.

"There are always positives to take away; we did manage 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 thoroughly deserved its victory after dominating the game and creating most of the chances.

Head coach, Murat Yakin, said: "It was a very good defensive performance. In every single phase during the match, we defended ⁠solidly. We didn't allow any chances.

"I'd like to praise my entire team, because they did have to suffer, and I think that they scored just at the right moment. I think that we really deserved to move into the next round of this tournament.

"It was important to score at that moment – it was a lucky punch, but after that, I think that we dominated on the pitch, and I'm really happy with ⁠the overall performance because we played against very strong individual players."

Asked if he had any preference regarding Switzerland's next opponent, Yakin added: "There are no easy opponents.

"Everything has to work out perfectly ⁠for us, tactically, football-wise, and the intensity has to be there as well, every single detail. Right now, we're just very happy about this moment."