World Cup: Switzerland crush 10-man Bosnia to move closer to knockout stage

by · The Eagle Online

Switzerland moved a step closer to the FIFA World Cup knockout stage after second-half substitutes Johan Manzambi and Rubén Vargas inspired a commanding 4-1 victory over 10-man Bosnia and Herzegovina in Group B.

The result lifted Murat Yakin’s side to four points from two matches and placed them firmly in control of their qualification hopes ahead of their final group game against Canada.

Bosnia, who welcomed veteran captain Edin Džeko back into the starting line-up after he missed the 1-1 draw with co-hosts Canada, struggled to impose themselves for long periods as Switzerland controlled possession and created the better opportunities.

Dan Ndoye threatened early for the Swiss, firing into the side netting after 10 minutes, while Remo Freuler also went close with a long-range effort.

Despite Switzerland’s dominance, Bosnia held firm until the closing stages of the contest. Ndoye nearly broke the deadlock in spectacular fashion 11 minutes into the second half when his overhead kick was tipped over the crossbar by goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj.

The Bosnia goalkeeper was called into action again shortly after the hour mark to deny Breel Embolo’s header. Yakin’s decisive intervention arrived during the second-half hydration break when he introduced Manzambi, Vargas and Djibril Sow.

The changes transformed the contest. With 15 minutes remaining, Vargas delivered a cross to the far post that Bosnia failed to clear, allowing Manzambi to volley home his first World Cup goal and finally break the deadlock.

Bosnia’s task became even more difficult six minutes later when Tarik Muharemović was shown a red card for bringing down Embolo as the striker raced through on goal. The numerical advantage quickly paid dividends for Switzerland.

Vargas doubled the lead six minutes from time after being picked out by Embolo, calmly finishing for his first World Cup goal. The two substitutes combined again moments later as Manzambi struck from close range to make it 3-0 and effectively put the game beyond Bosnia.

Bosnia grabbed a late consolation through Ermin Mahmić, who scored his first senior international goal with a powerful volley in stoppage time.

However, Switzerland had the final word when captain Granit Xhaka converted a penalty after Amar Memić fouled Sow inside the box.

The victory leaves Switzerland on the verge of qualification for the last 32, while Bosnia must now beat Qatar in their final group match to keep their World Cup hopes alive after seeing their nine-match unbeaten run come to an end.

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