Johan Manzambi netted two goals, including an impressive volley in the 74th minute, leading Switzerland to a convincing 4-1 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday.
The first half of the Group B clash saw little action. In fact, according to Squawka, it recorded the second-lowest combined expected goals in a World Cup half, with a total xG of just 0.24, higher only than the 0.11 from the match between Ghana and Panama the previous night.
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After a goalless first hour, the action finally picked up.
Rubén Vargas‘ cross was not effectively cleared by Amar Memić. As the ball came down, Manzambi, who had just come on as a substitute three minutes earlier, seized the opportunity and volleyed it past goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj.
Just six minutes later, Bosnia and Herzegovina faced further setbacks. A sliding tackle from Tarik Muharemović completely missed the ball while tackling Breel Embolo, resulting in a straight red card as he was the last defender in a goal-scoring situation.
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Now down to ten men, Bosnia and Herzegovina struggled to find an equalizer, while Switzerland capitalized on the situation. Just four minutes after the red card, Rubén Vargas added a second goal, converting a cross-box pass to extend the lead to 2-0.
Manzambi completed his brace in the 90th minute, while Granit Xhaka‘s penalty in stoppage time became Switzerland’s fourth goal of the match. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Ermin Mahmić managed to breach Gregor Kobel‘s clean sheet with a goal four minutes prior to Xhaka’s effort, but the final score remained decisive.
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With this win, Switzerland tops Group B with four points as they prepare for a challenging match against Canada in their final group stage match in Vancouver. Meanwhile, Bosnia and Herzegovina will face Qatar in Seattle. Both of these matches are scheduled for June 24 at 3 p.m. ET.