Manzambi’s Late Brace Seals Switzerland’s 4-1 Win Over Bosnia to Top Group B

Switzerland beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1 in a wild final 20 minutes at the World Cup, moving top of Group B and closing in on the round of 32, with substitute Johan Manzambi scoring twice off the bench.

Manzambi had been on the pitch for just two minutes and 46 seconds, and had only touched the ball four times, when he turned in a knockdown inside the box with a first-time finish past Bosnia goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj in the 74th minute. He had replaced Dan Ndoye, whose own spectacular bicycle kick had been tipped over the bar moments earlier.

Bosnia's night got worse soon after when Tarik Muharemovic was sent off for hauling down Breel Embolo as he broke through on goal, leaving Bosnia to play out the rest of the match with 10 men. Ruben Vargas punished them straight away, curling a precise finish into the bottom corner to make it 2-0.

Vargas turned from scorer to provider in the 90th minute, teeing up Manzambi for his second of the night from close range. Switzerland added a fourth in injury time when captain Granit Xhaka converted a penalty after Amar Memic brought down Djibril Sow. Ermin Mahmic grabbed a late consolation for Bosnia with a spectacular volley from a corner.

Before Manzambi's introduction, Switzerland had been the better side but couldn't find a way past a well-organised Bosnia defence. They had early joy down the left thanks to Bosnia's narrow shape without the ball, but Ndoye twice went close without scoring, firing into the side-netting and then failing to connect with a low cross.

Bosnia pushed back into the game and looked the stronger team for a spell, but lost their momentum around the second-half hydration break. Veteran striker Edin Dzeko, playing in just his second World Cup, was Bosnia's biggest threat throughout but couldn't find a goal and was substituted in the 64th minute.

Freiburg's Manzambi, still only 20, is reportedly drawing interest from several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea.

The result puts Switzerland top of Group B on four points, while Bosnia sit bottom with just one point and a goal difference of minus three. 

Switzerland face co-hosts Canada in Vancouver on Wednesday 24 June, while Bosnia take on Qatar in Seattle at the same time, needing a win to keep their tournament alive.