Super-sub Manzambi fired Switzerland to a 4-1 win against Bosnia and Herzegovina

Johan Manzambi announced himself on the FIFA World Cup stage in spectacular fashion as Switzerland beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1 to top Group B on Thursday. The 20-year-old substitute scored twice after coming off the bench to turn a tense game into a comfortable Swiss victory in Los Angeles.

Over 70 minutes, Switzerland looked set for another frustrating evening. Bosnia defended resolutely, limiting clear-cut chances and keeping Switzerland’s attack at bay despite having less possession.

SWITZERLAND vs. BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA, FIFA WORLD CUP: HIGHLIGHTS

But everything changed when Manzambi entered the field in the 71st minute.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:

Just three minutes later, the youngster produced the breakthrough Switzerland were desperately looking for, meeting the delivery with a sharp volley that finally broke through the Bosnia defense and lifted the pressure on Murat Yakin’s side.

The goal opened the floodgates.

MANZAMBI IS A GAME CHANGER

Switzerland dominated big spells of the contest but lacked the edge needed to break down a stubborn Bosnia side.

That changed almost immediately with Manzambi’s arrival.

Regarded as one of Europe’s brightest talents after being named UEFA Europa League Player of the Season, the Freiburg youngster has injected energy and directness into the Swiss attack. His opener gave Switzerland belief as Bosnia’s resistance began to wane.

Ruben Vargas doubled the advantage soon after as Switzerland took full control. Manzambi then completed the dream cameos by adding his second goal of the night, effectively putting the contest out of reach.

Bosnia managed to respond late on through Ermin Mahmic to give their traveling fans something to celebrate, but a comeback never looked likely.

Captain Granit Xhaka completed the scoring from the penalty spot to seal an emphatic 4-1 win that perhaps looked more comfortable on paper than it did for much of the evening.

The result was facilitated by Bosnia being reduced to ten men late in the game, allowing Switzerland to take advantage of the extra space and finish strongly.

SWITZERLAND CLOSE TO KNOCKOUTS

It was another major milestone for Manzambi in a rapidly growing career.

The youngest player in Switzerland’s World Cup squad once dreamed of becoming a goalkeeper and idolized German great Manuel Neuer growing up. Now he is scoring vital goals on football’s biggest stage.

His influence could prove decisive not only for Switzerland’s World Cup campaign, but also for his own status as one of the tournament’s breakout stars.

More importantly for the Swiss, the win gives them firm control of Group B. Switzerland now have four points from two games and need just one more point from their final group stage game against Canada to secure qualification for the round of 32.

A sizeable margin of victory could also prove crucial if qualification comes down to goal difference.

While the score may have slightly flattered Switzerland given the balance of play for most of the game, there was no doubt that they deserved the three points. Their patience eventually paid off and once the breakthrough came, they mercilessly punished a tiring Bosnia side.

Switzerland will now travel to Vancouver knowing that another positive result against Canada should be enough to secure a place in the knockout rounds. Bosnia, meanwhile, face a must-win clash with Qatar if they are to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

Football World Cup | FIFA World Cup Schedule | FIFA World Cup Points Table | football news

– The end

Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

19 Jun 2026 03:02 IST