Switzerland pull away late to beat Bosnia 4-1 and lead Group B
Johan Manzambi scored twice off the bench as Switzerland punished 10-man Bosnia and Herzegovina in a late World Cup surge.
By Lucas Ferreira · Science & Environment Writer
3 min read
Switzerland took control of World Cup Group B on Thursday with a 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood. The result left Bosnia’s knockout-stage prospects in trouble after a match that turned sharply in the final 20 minutes, the Associated Press reported.
Johan Manzambi scored twice after entering in the 71st minute, while Ruben Vargas and Granit Xhaka also struck for Switzerland. Bosnia finished with 10 men after defender Tarik Muharemovic was sent off in the 80th minute for pulling down Breel Embolo and denying a clear scoring chance, according to AP.
Switzerland now have one win and one draw from their first two Group B matches. AP reported that Murat Yakin’s side sit atop the group despite being held 1-1 by Qatar in their opener.
Qatar were scheduled to face Canada later Thursday in Vancouver. AP reported that the winner of that match would move level on points with Switzerland, who are trying to reach the World Cup knockout rounds for a fourth straight tournament.
Manzambi changes the match
Bosnia had kept the game tight for long stretches, using a cautious setup that frustrated Switzerland until Yakin turned to Manzambi from the bench. The move quickly changed the tempo.
Vargas, who had also come on as a substitute, broke into space on the left and sent a cross toward the far post. Amar Memic attempted to head the ball away, but Manzambi reacted first near the penalty spot and drove a side-footed volley past goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj, AP reported.
Six minutes later, Bosnia’s task became much harder. Referee Joao Pinheiro showed Muharemovic a red card after his challenge from behind on Embolo, a decision AP said followed an obvious goalscoring opportunity being denied.
Switzerland added their second four minutes after the dismissal. Embolo held up the ball inside the area and found Vargas to his left, and Vargas placed his shot into the lower right corner.
Vargas then set up Manzambi again in the 90th minute as Switzerland stretched the lead to 3-0. Bosnia substitute Ermin Mahmic answered in second-half stoppage time with a powerful volley, giving Bosnia their only goal of the night.
Xhaka restored Switzerland’s three-goal cushion from the penalty spot seven minutes into added time. The veteran midfielder’s goal completed a late burst in which Switzerland scored three times after Bosnia went down to 10 men.
Bosnia left on one point
Bosnia and Herzegovina remain on one point from two matches. AP reported that the team will need to show more attacking intent in its final group match against Qatar to keep alive any chance of advancing.
Late concessions have hurt Bosnia throughout the group stage. AP reported that all five goals Bosnia have allowed at the tournament have come after the 70th minute, including Canada’s equaliser in a 1-1 draw in their opening match.
The defeat leaves Bosnia chasing results while Switzerland wait to see how the rest of Group B develops. For Yakin’s team, the closing spell in Inglewood turned a tense match into a result that put them in command of the group.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.