Substitute Johan Manzambi scored twice as Switzerland defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-1 to move closer to a place in the FIFA World Cup round of 32 after a dramatic final 20 minutes.
The breakthrough came in the 74th minute when Manzambi met a knockdown inside the penalty area with a first-time volley that beat Bosnia goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj. The goal arrived just two minutes and 46 seconds after the 20-year-old entered the match and was only his fourth touch of the ball.
Bosnia’s task became even more difficult after defender Tarik Muharemovic was shown a straight red card for bringing down Breel Embolo when the Swiss forward was through on goal.
Switzerland quickly took advantage of their numerical superiority, with Ruben Vargas doubling the lead through a precise curling effort into the bottom corner.
Vargas then turned provider in the 90th minute, setting up Manzambi to score his second goal from close range. Captain Granit Xhaka added a fourth in stoppage time from the penalty spot after Djibril Sow was fouled by Amar Memic inside the area.
Bosnia managed a late consolation goal through Ermin Mahmic, who produced a stunning volley following a corner kick, but it did little to alter the outcome.
Before Manzambi’s opener, Switzerland had struggled to break down a resilient Bosnia defence and were repeatedly frustrated by wasteful finishing. Dan Ndoye came closest with a spectacular bicycle kick that was tipped over the crossbar early in the second half before being replaced by Manzambi.
Bosnia had enjoyed a strong spell and looked the more dangerous side at times, with veteran striker Edin Dzeko making his first appearance at his second World Cup. However, he was unable to find the net before being substituted in the 64th minute. The victory leaves Switzerland top of Group B with four points, while Bosnia remain bottom with one point and a goal difference of minus three.
