Super subs fire Switzerland past Bosnia as Xhaka answers scrutiny | OneFootball

Switzerland claimed their first 2026 World Cup win, beating Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1 after a late surge inspired by substitutes Johan Manzambi and Rubén Vargas.

According to NY Times, the victory soothed anxiety after a wasteful opener against Qatar and kept the Group B favourites on course for the knockouts. Introduced together after the hour, the pair delivered three goals.

The deadlock was broken by Manzambi with a fierce first-time finish. Bosnia went down to 10 in the 80th minute when Tarik Muharemović was sent off for hauling down Breel Embolo as last man. Switzerland then stretched away, Vargas scoring and Manzambi adding his second.

In added time, Ermin Mahmić volleyed in a consolation for Bosnia. In the final act, Granit Xhaka converted a penalty for 4-1, and gestured a talking motion as he celebrated.

Xhaka had faced criticism at home, with a tabloid alleging he had been a negative influence, claims his team-mates denied. He had also been openly critical after the Australia warm-up draw and the Qatar stalemate. Here he dictated play, recording 26 line-breaking passes, the most by any player at this World Cup so far and the most by a Switzerland player on record since 2010.

Manzambi, 20 years and 247 days, became the youngest man and first Swiss player to score twice as a World Cup substitute. Vargas assisted both goals and added a neat finish from 12 yards. Bosnia’s support created a raucous backdrop at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

Source: NY Times