Manzambi double powers Switzerland past Bosnia 4-1 to seize World Cup Group B control

Switzerland broke down a stubborn Bosnia and Herzegovina side with four goals in the final 16 minutes, turning a tense Group B stalemate into a commanding victory in Inglewood, California.

The breakthrough

For 73 minutes, the match was a study in frustration for the Swiss. They dominated possession but created little clear danger, much as they had in a 1-1 draw with Qatar a week earlier. Dan Ndoye’s overhead kick drew a sharp save from Nikola Vasilj, though the flag was up for offside. At the other end, Amar Dedic forced Gregor Kobel into a stretching stop from distance.

The deadlock dissolved when coach Murat Yakin sent on Johan Manzambi in the 71st minute. Three minutes later, the 20-year-old met a weak clearing header by Amar Memic with a perfectly struck volley that flew past Vasilj and sent the Swiss section of the 70,026 crowd into a roar.

Late avalanche

Bosnia’s task became impossible when Tarik Muharemovic was shown a straight red card in the 80th minute for felling Breel Embolo as the last man. Switzerland wasted no time exploiting the extra man. Ruben Vargas doubled the lead four minutes later with a low finish into the far corner. Manzambi added his second in the 90th, tapping in a Vargas pass, and captain Granit Xhaka converted a penalty with the final kick of the game.

Ermin Mahmic had briefly pulled one back for Bosnia in the fourth minute of stoppage time, but the contest was already decided.

Manzambi’s moment

Manzambi was the undeniable catalyst. The Freiburg midfielder, born in Geneva to Angolan and Congolese parents, entered with the score 0-0 and left with his first World Cup goals, a player-of-the-match award, and the kind of performance that raises questions about why he had spent the first 71 minutes on the bench. He had already been touted for a starting role after seven Bundesliga goals and nine assists this season, plus a Europa League runners-up medal with Freiburg.

It is a dream. That I can play at the World Cup, score two goals, and be Player of the Match. I won’t sleep tonight.

Group B stakes

Switzerland now have four points from two matches, with the Qatar draw followed by this four-goal performance. One more point against Canada in Vancouver on Wednesday would guarantee progress either as group winners or as runners-up to the Round of 32. Bosnia, on one point, face Qatar in Seattle and still retain a legitimate chance of advancing from only their second World Cup appearance.

Dressing-room edge

Xhaka had publicly criticised his teammates after the Qatar stalemate and his post-match mood remained sharp. He celebrated his stoppage-time penalty with a pointed gesture toward critics.

It always comes across differently when I say something. But it’s okay, I know that. What matters is that the team stands behind me. Everything else has never interested me.

Defender Manuel Akanji, who had advised Vargas to replicate Luis Díaz’s goal after watching the Colombia game in the physio room the day before, praised the patience that kept Switzerland from overcommitting before the late surge. The combination of endurance from the starters and the freshness of the substitutes, he said, wore Bosnia down and made the difference.