Super sub Manzambi helps Switzerland close on knockout stages with thumping win
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- Johan Manzambi crashed in a volley just 166 seconds after his introduction in the 74th minute and coolly side-footed his second at 90 minutes, turning a goalless stalemate into a rout for the 20-year-old on the World Cup stage
- Tarik Muharemovic was shown a straight red card in the 80th minute for catching Breel Embolo on the heel as the last defender, reducing Bosnia to 10 men and breaking the match open
- Ruben Vargas, another substitute, hammered in a first-time shot past Nikola Vasilj in the 84th minute after being teed up by Embolo to make it 2-0
- Ermin Mahmic gave Bosnia a consolation on just his third international appearance, volleying past goalkeeper Gregor Kobel from inside the box in the 93rd minute
- Granit Xhaka restored the three-goal cushion with one of the final kicks of the game, rolling in a 97th-minute penalty after Djibril Sow was brought down by Amar Memic
- Murat Yakin's Switzerland took a "giant leap" toward the knockout stages with the Group B victory in front of 70,026 fans at SoFi Stadium on 18 June 2026
Why it matters: Switzerland effectively controls its own Group B destiny and is now heavy favorites to advance, while Bosnia-Herzegovina's collapse — a red card followed by three goals conceded in 17 minutes — leaves them staring at elimination after one match. Manzambi's instant impact (goal 166 seconds after entering) gives Yakin a proven late-game weapon for the knockout rounds.
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