ISTANBUL: Switzerland secured a convincing 4-1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday in a Group B match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Los Angeles Stadium in the United States, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.
In the first half, both teams lacked chances and attacking ability. They entered the second half in a goalless stalemate until the end of the game.
Minutes after coming off the bench, 20-year-old Johan Manzambi scored Switzerland’s opening goal in the 74th minute with a powerful volley following a cross into the penalty area, leaving Bosnian goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj helpless.
Bosnia were reduced to 10 men when Tarik Muharemovic made a tackle to block Breel Embolo’s run towards the penalty area, leaving the Bosnian defence exposed.
Ruben Vargas fired a low shot past Vasilj in the 84th minute to double Switzerland’s lead, marking another Swiss substitute who contributed to the goal.
Switzerland’s third consecutive victory came in the 90th minute when captain Granit Xhaka played a “no look pass” to Vargas, who headed the ball towards substitute Manzambi, leaving the undermanned Bosnian defence overwhelmed and beaten.
However, Bosnia grabbed a consolation goal through Ermin Mahmic in the 90th+3 minute with a great long-range shot that went through the crowded penalty area, past goalkeeper Gregor Kobel and into the net.
Switzerland were awarded a penalty in the 90th+7th minute following an intervention by Amar Memic in the penalty area and Xhaka converted it, ensuring a comfortable three-goal lead.
As a result of the game, Switzerland rose to the top of Group B, while Bosnia and Herzegovina finished third.
— BERNAMA-ANADOLU