Switzerland thrash Bosnia 4-1 to top World Cup Group B
Theo Al Jazeera English
Switzerland scored four second-half goals to beat Bosnia 4-1 and move top of World Cup Group B. All five goals came in the final 30 minutes of a thrilling match in Los Angeles.
Johan Manzambi scored a late double after coming on in the 71st minute, following goals from Ruben Vargas and Granit Xhaka, to give Switzerland a 4-1 victory over 10-man Bosnia and Herzegovina and top spot in World Cup Group B.
Switzerland's last three goals at the Los Angeles stadium came after Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic was sent off in the 80th minute for pulling back Breel Embolo, denying a clear goalscoring opportunity, in a dramatic finish to Thursday's match.
When it was over, Switzerland, with a win and a draw, lead the group, despite a surprising 1-1 draw with Qatar in their opener.
Qatar and Canada will meet in the late Group B match Thursday in Vancouver, where the winner will match Switzerland's points total as they aim for a fourth consecutive knockout-stage appearance at the World Cup.
Bosnia substitute Ermin Mahmic scored a thunderous volley in second-half stoppage time for Bosnia and Herzegovina, who still have only one point.
But the Balkan side will need to be more adventurous in their final group match against Qatar for a chance to advance, having created few opportunities against Switzerland.
All five of their conceded goals have come after the 70th minute, including the equaliser in their 1-1 opening draw with Canada.
For much of the match, however, Bosnia's cautious approach appeared effective until Switzerland coach Murat Yakin introduced Manzambi.
Shortly after coming on, Vargas broke down the left and sent a cross to the far post. Amar Memic attempted a headed clearance, but Manzambi reacted first at the penalty spot and volleyed powerfully past Bosnia goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj.
Any realistic hope of a positive result for Bosnia evaporated six minutes later when referee Joao Pinheiro had no choice but to show a red card for Muharemovic's foul from behind.
Four minutes later, Vargas slotted a shot into the bottom right corner after Embolo held the ball near the penalty spot and laid it off to his teammate on the left.
Vargas turned provider again as Manzambi completed his double in the 90th minute, and after Mahmic pulled one back, veteran midfielder Xhaka converted a penalty in the seventh minute of second-half stoppage time.
