Johan Manzambi scored twice off the bench as Switzerland struck four late goals to cruise to a 4-1 victory over 10-man Bosnia and Herzegovina in their FIFA World Cup Group B match on Wednesday.
After a quiet first half that produced few clear-cut chances, the contest sprang to life in the closing stages. Switzerland finally broke the deadlock in the 74th minute when substitute Manzambi unleashed a superb volley just three minutes after entering the field.
Bosnia's task became even more difficult in the 80th minute as defender Tarik Muharemovic received a red card for a dangerous challenge, leaving his side a man short for the remainder of the match.
The Swiss quickly took advantage. Ruben Vargas doubled the lead in the 84th minute before Manzambi struck again six minutes later, finishing off a pass from Vargas to put the result beyond doubt.
Bosnia managed a consolation goal through Ermin Mahmic, but Switzerland restored their three-goal cushion in stoppage time when captain Granit Xhaka converted a penalty with the final kick of the match.
The victory strengthens Switzerland's position in Group B, while Bosnia remain in the hunt for a place in the knockout stage despite suffering their first defeat of the tournament. Bosnia had opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against co-hosts Canada and competed evenly with the Swiss for much of the contest before the late collapse.
TZ