The scene of the game
Shortly after the second drinking break, Djibril Sow, Rubén Vargas and Johan Manzambi came into play in the 71st minute and immediately had a decisive impact on the game. In the 74th minute, Vargas moved away on the left wing and sent the cross into the middle, where the Bosnian defenders were unable to clear the ball. Manzambi says thank you and volleys the ball into the net to make it 1-0. In the end there is a 4-1 win for the national team.
The key figure
Johan Manzambi was disappointing after coming on as a substitute against Qatar, but against Bosnia he did a sensational job as a joker. A few seconds after the Freiburg shooting star comes into the game, he scores to make it 1-0. Shortly afterwards it is Manzambi again who sends Breel Embolo strongly into the depths. Tarik Muharemovic can only stop Embolo illegally and sees red for an emergency stop. With Rubén Vargas making it 2-0, Manzambi once again had his feet in the game. The 20-year-old Romand is then responsible for the 3-0.
The better team
In the first half there were hardly any chances to score on either side. Switzerland has more of a share of the game, but plays without ideas and with too little depth in the game. Even after the break the game is very tough. It was only when Yakin made a triple substitution after the drinking break that the game tipped in favor of the national team. When they have the majority, the Swiss make good use of their numerical superiority and deservedly win.
The twittering from the stands
The second World Cup appearance turns out to be an away game for the national team. In the state-of-the-art Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles, it is estimated that around 25,000 Bosnian fans are watching the game on site and are therefore clearly superior to the Swiss fans in terms of numbers – and also in terms of volume. When the Nati stars arrive, there are whistles from Bosnia’s fans, but the atmosphere in the stadium is otherwise very peaceful.
The gates
74′ | 1:0 | Manzambi volleys the ball into the net to give Switzerland the lead.
84′ | 2:0 | Embolo shields the ball decisively so that Vargas can run free on the left side and get to the ball. The winger flatly increases the score to 2-0.
90′ | 3:0 | Manzambi scores a brace after Vargas’ assist.
90+3′ | 3:1 | Mahmic scores the consolation goal late on.
90+7′ | 4:1 | Deep into stoppage time, Xhaka is responsible for the final result with a penalty.
This is how it goes
Immediately after the Bosnia game, the national team travels back to San Diego. The third group game against Canada in Vancouver follows on Wednesday.
Voices after the game
Murat Yakin
«Yes, we knew that the coaling breaks were an important tactical element. You shouldn’t show the opponent five minutes in advance what our tactics are. Because the opponent switched to a five-man chain today, especially in the first half, we had a bit of trouble getting in at the beginning. Four-chain, five-man chain. We had two or three situations in which we didn’t have access to the game. But we knew in the second coaling break that we had to wait until we brought in the fresh players, especially Ruben and Manzambi. These are very important positions to keep the opponent even more busy. In the end it worked out well.”
Granit Xhaka
«I think people know who I am. Of course, there may be some people who can’t handle criticism. I am one who criticizes myself before I criticize anyone else. And I think it always comes across differently when I say something. But it’s okay. I don’t know any other way. I think Switzerland can now be really proud that they have a player with 148 games for Switzerland. For these colors, for the nation, pure pride behind them. But maybe I need this personally. I also provoke a bit. In the end, what’s important to me is that the team is behind me, that we perform together like we did today, and I’ve never been interested in anything else. Accordingly, the only thing that counts is what happens on the pitch.”
Johan Manzambi
“It’s like a dream that I can play at the World Cup. To score so many goals and then be voted “Player of the Match”. I definitely can’t sleep today.”
«Yes, of course we know that we are always together. I know the fans weren’t so happy with us at the last game. But today I hope that they are proud and that we were able to show that we are always together.”
(SRF)
