Match Review

Switzerland 4-1 Bosnia & Herzegovina World Cup: Manzambi, Vargas fire in LA

James Mugisha·19-06-2026·3 min read
Switzerland 4-1 Bosnia & Herzegovina World Cup: Manzambi, Vargas fire in LA

Switzerland stitched a 4-1 win over Bosnia & Herzegovina at Los Angeles Stadium on Thursday, blasting in three goals in the last fifteen minutes. Johan Manzambi grabbed a brace, Ruben Vargas added the third and Granit Xhaka converted a penalty to seal the comeback.

How did Switzerland turn the game on its head in the final quarter?

The Swiss dragged themselves into a 1-0 deficit early on, but coach Murat Yakin's decision to throw fresh legs on the field changed everything. Manzambi, who had been on the bench, ran onto the pitch with a purpose. Within minutes he rounded the Bosnian keeper and slotted home his first, then, moments later, curled a second past the back line. The crowd went wild – the man was cooking!

Vargas, also a substitute, arrived with the tempo ticking up. He pressed high, forced an error and finished low to the net. The Bosnians rallied, scoring a consolation goal, but Xhaka's spot‑kick – a calm, placed strike – restored Swiss momentum and put the game beyond doubt. The final whistle confirmed a 4-1 triumph, sending Switzerland soaring to the top of Group B.

What does this result mean for Group B?

Switzerland now sit on three points with a superior goal difference, leaving Bosnia & Herzegovina in a precarious position. The win gives the Swiss a cushion before their next group clash, while Bosnia must regroup quickly if they hope to stay alive. The result also shows the depth of the Swiss bench – a lesson for all teams that the game can be won after the hour mark.

Who shone for Switzerland?

Manzambi was the star, his two goals proving decisive. Vargas' energy off the bench added the spark the Swiss needed, and Xhaka's composure from the spot reminded everyone why he is a senior leader. Their performances underline why Switzerland are considered one of the darker horses of the tournament.

What next for Bosnia & Herzegovina?

The Bosnians will need to tighten their defence and find a way to respond earlier in matches. Their lone goal showed they can threaten, but conceding four in the closing stages will be a bitter pill.

Will Switzerland keep the momentum?

If the Swiss maintain their substitution strategy and keep the attacking intent, they have a real chance to progress. Their next group game will test whether this comeback was a one‑off or a sign of things to come.

People also ask: How did Switzerland score four goals in the last 15 minutes?

Switzerland’s late surge came from tactical substitutions, with Manzambi’s two strikes, Vargas’ finish and Xhaka’s penalty all coming after the 75th minute, turning a 1-0 deficit into a 4-1 victory.


Watch the Highlights

James Mugisha

James Mugisha

Contributor

James Mugisha is a contributor at ChampionSport.ug.

View all articles
Share this article:
Share:
Loading comments...

RELATED NEWS