For more than 60 minutes Switzerland suffered against an extremely defensive Bosnia, however a Yakin substitution changed the momentum! Manzabi’s entry brought goals, assists, “waking up” Vargas, while Muhamerovic’s dismissal unsettled the Bosnians. The Swiss prevailed 4-1 and qualified for the “32” of the World Cup. The Bosnians will go all out in the final round against Qatar.
Half time all to… nil
A bad first half, without a goal, with both teams not in the mood to take risks. Switzerland had the initiative and full control in the first half of the match, but struggled to convert their superiority into meaningful opportunities. On the other hand, Bosnia defended well, were disciplined at the back, effectively limiting spaces and looking for their own moments on the counter-attack. Dzeko and Kolasinac with their experience helped them on the counter-attacks, but they did not have the required assists.
It is characteristic that the two teams finished the first half with just seven total final attempts, a performance that is among the lowest of the tournament. Endoi’s shot in the 13th minute, Rodriguez’s effort in the 20th minute and his individual energy in the 32nd minute were the best we saw in the first half.
Manzambi, dismissal and four!
In the replay the scene changed, Switzerland were more hungry, they came in strong enough and threatened with Edoi, but Vasili had the right positions (terrible scissor operation, but there was offside). However, Yakin made the move – checkmate, put Manzabi through for Edoi in the 73rd minute and a minute later the Freiburg midfielder redeemed himself with a superb one-piece volley from inside the area. Switzerland winning 1-0. The Reds pressed for a second goal and in the 80′ they gained a numerical advantage.
Embolo went on the counter-attack, Muhamerovic fouled him and was sent off. Switzerland was in complete control and in the 84th minute came the goal that sealed the victory. Yaquin’s players were patient in traffic, they changed brilliantly and Vargas made it 2-0 with a nice spot. Switzerland kept up the pressure and the burst ended in the 90th minute when Vargas assisted Manzabi to make it 3-0. Bosnia achieved the goal of honor (3-1) in stoppage time with a terrific one-piece by Makhmić. And yet, the goal party continued, since at 90+7′ Vargas won a penalty and Xhaka made it 4-1.
Switzerland (Murat Yakin): Kobel, Widmer (86′ Jacques), Elwendi, Akanji, Rodriguez, Froiler, Xhaka, Ebisser (72′ Shaw), Reeder (72′ Vargas), Ebolo (89′ Iten), Edoi (72′ Manzambi).
Bosnia (Sergei Barbarez): Vasil, Muharemovic, Kolasinac, Dedic, Katic, Tahirovic (63′ Bayraktarjevic), Sunic (86′ Hadziahmetovic), Memic, Demirovic (86′ Lukic), Alaibegovic (90+1′ Mamic), Dzeko (63′ Basic)
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