Manzambi double helps Swiss crush Bosnia 4-1 in World Cup

Switzerland secured a vital 4-1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, breaking down a stubborn defense with a flurry of late goals in their World Cup Group B clash. The win, propelled by a brace from substitute Johan Manzambi and further strikes from Ruben Vargas and captain Granit Xhaka, significantly bolsters Switzerland's chances of advancing in the tournament.

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We needed to be very patient. We brought in very quick, very fast players.

Bosnia had successfully repelled Swiss attacks for 74 minutes, maintaining a resolute defense. However, the introduction of Manzambi proved decisive. The 20-year-old scored just three minutes after coming onto the pitch, finding the net with a right-foot shot that deflected past the goalkeeper. This breakthrough visibly rattled the Bosnian team.

The situation worsened for Bosnia when Tarik Muharemovic received a red card in the 80th minute for a foul on Breel Embolo. With Bosnia down to ten men, Switzerland capitalized, with Vargas adding a second goal and Manzambi scoring his second in stoppage time. Bosnia managed a consolation goal from Ermin Mahmic, but Xhaka sealed the victory with a penalty after Amar Memic fouled Djibril Sow.

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This defeat is huge to us and we don’t like losing players due to red cards, but I don’t like whining.

Swiss coach Murat Yakin defended his strategy of deploying his quicker players later in the match, emphasizing the need for patience. "We needed to be very patient," Yakin stated. "We brought in very quick, very fast players." The victory gives Switzerland four points, needing just one more from their final group game against Canada to guarantee progression. Bosnia, with one point, faces Qatar in their last match, needing a win to stay in contention.

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In the final match they will be all ready and eager to play and ready to remedy what’s needed.