Switzerland found the keys to break down a resolute Bosnia and Herzegovina defence with four late goals in a 4-1 win thanks to a brace from Johan Manzambi and further ‌strikes from fellow substitute Ruben Vargas and captain Granit Xhaka with a penalty.

Bosnia, who had repelled Switzerland’s attacks until the 74th minute in the Group B clash, finally cracked and allowed 20-year-old Manzambi to net three minutes after coming on to the pitch.

Moments later a red card for Bosnia’s Tarik Muharemovic made the team’s situation desperate and the Swiss took full advantage with three more goals, including Xhaka’s spot-kick at the death.

The Swiss, who have four points and need one more from their final group game to guarantee a place in the round of 32 as winners ⁠or runners-up, face Canada on Wednesday when Bosnia, who have one point, meet Qatar.

Swiss coach Murat Yakin defended his decision to leave his quickest players on the bench until late in the match.

“We needed to be very patient,” said Yakin. “We brought in very quick, very fast players.”

Switzerland dominate possession

The Swiss dominated the first half, with the Bosnians forming a tight defensive shell around their 18-yard box.

Shortly before halftime, Bosnia striker Edin Dzeko ended up in dangerous positions in front of the Swiss goal but his side were not able to convert any chances.

Bosnia played aggressively after the interval, picking up two yellow cards, including one for Dzeko and the 40-year-old was soon substituted.

Switzerland substitute Manzambi breaks deadlock

The deadlock was broken when Manzambi scored with a right-foot shot that keeper Nikola Vasilj got a glove to but merely deflected into the net.

Switzerland played with renewed vigour and Bosnia were rattled, their resolute defence becoming ‌ragged.

Muharemovic was shown a ⁠red card after 80 minutes when he charged down forward Breel Embolo just outside the box as he closed in on the Bosnia goal.

A few minutes later a swarming Swiss attack put Bosnia in a desperate situation, with Vargas firing the ball into the bottom right corner to make it 2-0.

Their situation became almost impossible after 90 minutes when Manzambi scored again, with Vargas assisting.

Early in stoppage time Bosnia’s Ermin Mahmic, who had just been brought on, scored a consolation goal with a volley from just inside the box.

Moments later Xhaka converted ⁠his penalty after Djibril Sow was fouled by Amar Memic to send the Swiss fans home beaming.

Switzerland were considered the favourites to top Group B, which also includes co-hosts Canada, but a 1-1 draw with unfancied Qatar dented their campaign.

“This defeat is huge to us and we don’t like losing players due to red cards, but I don’t like whining,” ⁠said coach Sergej Barbarez. He plans to give the squad time to relax before preparing for their last group match and a last chance to stay in the tournament.

“In the final match they will be all ready and eager to play and ready to remedy what’s ⁠needed,” said Barbarez.

The stadium’s 70,000 seats were a sea of Bosnia blue with scattered islands of Swiss red, revealing a crowd heavily favouring Bosnia, with a chorus of boos greeting the appearance of the Switzerland players and boos and whistles whenever a Swiss player moved into an attacking position.