"I 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," Petkovic told reporters after the game.

Efficiency the Desert Foxes' undoing

Petkovic was adamant that Algeria were not outplayed — rather, they were punished for failing to convert their opportunities, while Switzerland made the most of far fewer openings.

"We 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," he said.

Despite the loss, the coach urged supporters and players alike to acknowledge the scale of the achievement. Algeria's appearance in the Round of 32 marked the country's first World Cup knockout stage involvement in 12 years.

"Reaching the Round of 32 after twelve years is still historic. We must see the glass as half full. Time will heal all wounds," Petkovic added.