LOS ANGELES, June 19: Switzerland produced a stunning late surge to defeat Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1 in one of the most dramatic matches of the FIFA World Cup so far, scoring four goals in the final 17 minutes after a tense, goalless contest for more than 70 minutes.
The match appeared destined for a low-scoring finish until substitute John Munsambi transformed the contest after coming on in the 70th minute. The 20-year-old forward struck twice as Switzerland overwhelmed a tiring Bosnian side and surged to the top of their group with four points.
Despite dominating possession and creating several chances from the opening whistle, Switzerland struggled to break down a disciplined Bosnian defence throughout the first half. Bosnia also threatened on the counterattack and occasionally tested the Swiss backline, but neither side managed to find the breakthrough before the interval.
The turning point arrived in the 74th minute. Ruben Vargas surged down the left flank and forced a defensive clearance that fell kindly to Munsambi inside the penalty area. The young forward reacted instantly, unleashing a superb volley into the net to hand Switzerland a deserved lead.
Bosnia’s hopes suffered a major setback six minutes later when Tarik Mahrovic was shown a straight red card for bringing down a Swiss attacker just outside the penalty area. Reduced to ten men, Bosnia struggled to contain the growing Swiss pressure.
Switzerland quickly capitalised on the numerical advantage. In the 84th minute, Breel Embolo threaded a precise pass to Vargas, who calmly finished to double the lead and put the Swiss firmly in control.
The match then exploded into life in the closing stages. In the 90th minute, Vargas turned provider, setting up Munsambi for his second goal of the evening and Switzerland’s third.
Bosnia managed a late consolation goal in stoppage time when Ermin Mahmic found the net, briefly giving his side something to cheer about. However, Switzerland had the final word.
Moments later, a defensive error by Amar Memic resulted in a penalty for the Swiss. Veteran midfielder Granit Xhaka stepped up and confidently converted from the spot, sealing a commanding 4-1 victory.
While the final scoreline suggested a comfortable win, the match remained delicately balanced until the final quarter-hour. Switzerland’s clinical finishing, aided by Bosnia’s late red card, ultimately turned a cagey contest into a memorable five-goal thriller and strengthened their position at the top of the group standings.
