The excitement surrounding Johan Manzambi is set to increase after his remarkable performance from the bench propelled Switzerland to a much-needed victory, kickstarting their World Cup campaign. Despite a tough Europa League final defeat with Freiburg against Aston Villa last month, the 20-year-old made a significant impact, scoring twice shortly after being introduced as a substitute.
With 73 minutes played, Manzambi broke the deadlock with a stunning volley, striking the ball into the net with his right foot, ending a frustrating period for Switzerland that had seen them register eight unsuccessful attempts prior to his arrival. Until then, their only goal in the tournament had been a penalty converted by Breel Embolo in their opening match against Qatar. Manzambi not only scored twice but also assisted Embolo, whose run was cut short by a foul from defender Tarik Muharemovic, reducing Bosnia and Herzegovina to ten players. Rubén Vargas and Granit Xhaka later added goals to seal the victory.
Ermin Mahmic managed to score a late consolation for Bosnia, firing a powerful volley from a corner that was only partially cleared, clocking in at 71 mph. Xhaka later capped off the scoring with a penalty after Djibril Sow was tripped by Memic. Manzambi played a crucial role in the build-up to Vargas’s goal, which came shortly after his own.
“It’s probably the best moment of my career so far,” Manzambi said regarding his standout performance, which earned him the player of the match accolade. “We had to be patient but we’re a good team and I think we showed that.”
Edin Dzeko, at 40 years and 63 days, had been anticipated to shine in this match as the ninth-oldest player to compete in a World Cup. However, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s chances of progressing in the tournament now depend on their upcoming Group B clash with Qatar. Meanwhile, Switzerland finds themselves in a strong position ahead of their match against co-hosts Canada.
The match was played under overcast skies in Los Angeles, eliminating concerns over excessive heat. A hydration break during the first half provided a necessary pause for Bosnia and Herzegovina, who struggled to maintain their composure against a relentless Swiss side, particularly Dan Ndoye.
With ten minutes remaining in the first half, Nikola Katic’s celebration after conceding a goal-kick highlighted Bosnia and Herzegovina’s desperation to hold off the Swiss attack. Earlier, the team had their first attempt on goal when Kerim Alajbegovic set up Dzeko, who delivered a cross that Benjamin Tahirovic failed to convert. Just before halftime, Remo Freuler blocked Dzeko’s shot following another promising run by Alajbegovic.
As they retreated to the locker room at halftime, Switzerland’s players likely reflected on their difficulties in finishing chances. This was not unexpected, as Bosnia and Herzegovina had proven to be tough opponents, having drawn their last six matches, including two penalty shootouts to reach this tournament. This defeat marked their first since a loss to Austria the previous September.
The second half continued in a similar vein, with promising moves from Switzerland thwarted in the final third. Manuel Akanji delivered a pass across the pitch, and Ndoye followed up with another weak attempt on goal.
Before Manzambi’s introduction, Ndoye had generated one of the match’s most exciting moments with an overhead kick, only to see it saved by Vasilj. He was later flagged offside, which dampened the excitement.
Ndoye appeared to be the most likely candidate for a goal, prompting Amar Dedic to pull him down early in the second half, resulting in a booking for the foul. Dzeko was substituted shortly after receiving a yellow card for a late challenge on Akanji.
Finally, it was the rising star Manzambi who broke the scoring drought. “He learned how to play on the streets,” Switzerland’s head coach, Murat Yakin, remarked about Manzambi’s natural talent.
“He needs to be more structured, but he is making headway with that. He puts a lot of pressure on opponents, he can even surprise us as well as opponents with what he can do.”
