Switzerland redeemed themselves following a setback against Qatar, as substitutes Johan Manzambi and Ruben Vargas helped propel the team to a commanding 4-1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, positioning Switzerland at the top of Group B for the World Cup 2026.
Manzambi, only 20 years old, came into the finals after a remarkable season with Freiburg, where he played a vital role in their journey to the Europa League final, despite their defeat to Aston Villa.
He netted two goals, with Vargas contributing one, while Ermin Mahmic scored a consolation for 10-man Bosnia in stoppage time. Switzerland’s captain Granit Xhaka capped off the scoring by converting a penalty with the game’s last kick.
What initially seemed set for a goalless draw ignited in the last 15 minutes in Los Angeles. The first breakthrough came when Vargas sent in a cross from the left that was only partially cleared, allowing Manzambi to volley it in powerfully.
Bosnia saw Tarik Muharemovic receive a red card for a foul on Swiss striker Breel Embolo with only ten minutes remaining, impacting the team’s chances significantly just before the game was effectively sealed.
Tarik Muharemovic fouling Breel Embolo leading to his red card (Getty)
Manzambi also played a crucial role in setting up Vargas’s goal, before finishing off another excellent team move for his second. Although Mahmic scored a stunning volley in added time, Xhaka had the final say with his penalty.
Switzerland’s coach, Murat Yakin, stated he intentionally waited for the second-half hydration break before introducing Manzambi and Vargas, emphasizing the need for tactical adjustments when the opposing team was fatigued.
Regarding Manzambi’s two-goal performance, Yakin remarked: “Johan is a joyful player with great footballing talent. He was with us during our tour in the US last year. His street football background gives him versatility, though he still needs to develop more structure in his game.”
Bosnia’s coach, Sergej Barbarez, urged his players to quickly regroup and focus on their final group match against Qatar, acknowledging the necessity of moving past the defeat. “I dislike self-pity,” he said. “I told the players they have one hour to lift their spirits. We have one game left.”
Barbarez expressed his support for the red-carded Muharemovic, saying he consoled him after the match while criticizing the chaotic moments that followed the second water break when the game slipped away from his team.