Switzerland tops Group B after 4-1 rout of Bosnia

Switzerland broke open a stubborn World Cup stalemate on Thursday, scoring four times in the final 16 minutes to defeat 10-man Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1 in a Group B match at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Substitute Johan Manzambi scored twice and played a central role in a red card that swung the contest decisively in Switzerland's favor.

A Locked First Half Gives Way to Drama

The match appeared destined for a tense, low-scoring affair for more than 70 minutes. Switzerland controlled possession but struggled to create clear openings, with Dan Ndoye and Remo Freuler each drilling shots into the side netting in the first half. Bosnia goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj kept his side level early in the second half, parrying Ndoye's overhead kick and stretching to deny Breel Embolo's header.fotmob

Murat Yakin's substitutions proved decisive. Manzambi, just 20 years old, needed less than three minutes after coming on to break the deadlock in the 74th minute, meeting a half-cleared cross on the volley and rocketing his finish into the roof of the net. He became the youngest player ever to score a brace as a substitute in a World Cup match.fotmob

Red Card and a Swiss Avalanche

Six minutes later, Manzambi's throughball sent Embolo clear on goal, forcing defender Tarik Muharemovic into a panicked last-man challenge that earned a straight red card. Rubén Vargas, another substitute, then bent a low shot past Vasilj in the 84th minute before teeing up Manzambi for a simple finish in the 90th to make it 4-0.espn+1

Bosnia's Ermin Mahmic pulled one back with a powerful strike in the 93rd minute, but the consolation was short-lived. Amar Memic fouled Djibril Sow in the box moments later, and Granit Xhaka converted the resulting penalty to seal the 4-1 result.fotmob

Group B Implications

The victory lifts Switzerland to four points and the top of Group B, putting them in a strong position to advance to the Round of 32 ahead of their final group game against co-hosts Canada on June 24 in Vancouver. Bosnia, who drew 1-1 with Canada in their opener, remain on one point and face Qatar in their final match needing a result to keep their knockout-stage hopes alive.goal+1