Substitute Johan Manzambi scored twice as Switzerland defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-1 in an entertaining FIFA World Cup Group B match to maneuver nearer to a spot within the final 32.
The Swiss struggled to interrupt down Bosnia for a lot of the sport, however a dramatic remaining 20 minutes modified all the pieces.
Manzambi opened the scoring within the 74th minute, lower than three minutes after coming off the bench. The 20-year-old reacted shortly contained in the penalty space and volleyed residence previous goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj with solely his fourth contact of the match.
Bosnia’s issues elevated moments later when Tarik Muharemovic was despatched off for bringing down Breel Embolo as he raced clear on purpose.
With the additional man benefit, Switzerland took management. Ruben Vargas curled a superb effort into the underside nook to make it 2-0 earlier than establishing Manzambi for his second purpose within the ninetieth minute.
Captain Granit Xhaka added a fourth purpose from the penalty spot throughout stoppage time after Djibril Sow was fouled contained in the field.
Bosnia managed a late comfort by means of Ermin Mahmic, who scored with an excellent volley following a nook kick.
“It’s in all probability the very best second of my profession to date,” Manzambi mentioned after the match. “We needed to keep affected person as a result of we knew we have been an excellent group. I believe we confirmed that.”
The younger midfielder has continued his fast rise after a formidable season with Freiburg and as soon as once more proved his worth to the Swiss nationwide group.
Switzerland had created possibilities earlier within the recreation however lacked the completion. Dan Ndoye got here shut on a number of events, together with a spectacular bicycle kick that was tipped over the crossbar by the Bosnia goalkeeper.
Bosnia additionally had moments of promise, with veteran striker Edin Dzeko main the assault. Nevertheless, the skilled ahead couldn’t discover a breakthrough and was substituted halfway by means of the second half.
Swiss coach Murat Yakin praised Manzambi’s affect after the match.
“Johan is a participant stuffed with high quality and confidence,” Yakin mentioned. “He can shock each us and our opponents. He was essential for at this time’s victory.”
The outcome leaves Switzerland prime of Group B with 4 factors, whereas Bosnia stay backside with one level and a purpose distinction of minus three.
Switzerland will face co-hosts Canada of their remaining group match, whereas Bosnia tackle Qatar as they hope to maintain their slim qualification hopes alive.
