FIFA WC 2026: Manzambi double sends the Swiss past Bosnia and Herzegovina in Group B contest
Los Angeles, June 19
Midfielder Johan Manzambi scored twice in the second half to help Switzerland move to the top of Group B after Johan Manzambi bagged a brace in the second half to beat ten-man Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1 here in their second FIFA World Cup match on Friday here at Los Angeles Stadium.
The Freiburg star struck twice in a goal-laden second half as the Swiss followed up their opening-match draw against Qatar with an impressive and ultimately deserved victory.
At 20 years and 247 days, Manzambi became the youngest player to score two or more goals in a FIFA World Cup match for Switzerland. He is also the first player to score multiple World Cup goals for the Swiss having come off the bench.
"Yes, it's probably the best moment of my career so far. We knew why we didn't start well and we had to be patient today. But we're a good team and I think we showed that today," said Manzambi.
After a forgettable first period, the match burst into life after the interval when Manzambi came off the bench to crash home an unstoppable first-time strike. Fellow substitute Ruben Vargas doubled their advantage with a smart right-footed finish before setting up Manzambi to settle the outcome and put himself in the adidas Golden Boot picture, FIFA reports.
The Bosnians, who had lost Tarik Muharemovic to a red card for a professional foul on Breel Embolo, pulled a goal back in stoppage time with a ferocious Ermin Mahmic strike. There was no hope of a comeback, though, and Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka restored their three-goal cushion as time ticked down with a coolly dispatched penalty.
"It was important to have all the energy on the pitch today and to find solutions. We needed to be patient and we chose to wait until the hydration break to make our tactical changes, so the opponent didn't have a chance to react. We brought fast players and after the opponent already ran a lot, we got spaces, and we were able to convincingly decide the match," said Murat Yakin, Switzerland coach.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, ten-man Bosnia fought hard even after the red card. Mahmic's goal was a rocket - proper class! But Switzerland's bench strength is unreal. Manzambi at 20 years old - our Indian football needs to produce such young talent too. 🏆
World Cup football is always exciting! But I feel Bosnia's red card changed everything. Before that, they were holding their own. Swiss coach Yakin played it smart though - waiting for halftime to adjust tactics. Interesting to see if this Swiss team can go deep in the tournament. 🤔⚽
Manzambi is a future star! Two goals off the bench at just 20 - that's incredible. Switzerland's depth is impressive. Watching from LA, the atmosphere must have been electric! We need more football focus back home in India too. 🌟🇨🇭
Great to see Switzerland bounce back after their draw with Qatar. Xhaka's penalty was ice cool - that's captain's mentality! But I feel bad for Bosnia; 10 men for most of the second half was always going to be tough. Football can be cruel sometimes. 😅
This match showed why squad depth matters in World Cup. Switzerland's substitutes were world-class. But Bosnian coach should have prepared better for the tactical changes. India's football needs to learn from such tactical flexibility. Good match overall! ⚽🔥
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