World Cup: Akanji wins with Switzerland

A crucial win for Switzerland, who secured their first victory of the World Cup with a 3-0 triumph over Bosnia and Herzegovina at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. Manuel Akanji was among those celebrating, having been named in coach Yakin’s starting XI and playing the full 90 minutes as the Swiss picked up three vital points in their bid to reach the knockout stage.

The match, which had remained mostly deadlocked in the first half, was ultimately decided by the Switzerland coach’s substitutions. In the 72nd minute, he brought on Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi for Dan Ndoye and Djibril Sow. Just two minutes later, Switzerland took the lead. Following a run from Vargas, Manzambi reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box and fired home a superb right-footed volley to make it 1-0. The Swiss were handed a further boost in the 80th minute when Muharemovic was sent off, and four minutes later Vargas doubled the lead with Manzambi providing the assist. The pair combined again in the 90th minute for the third goal, with Vargas pulling the ball back for Manzambi to finish. After Mahmic pulled one back for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Xhaka completed the scoring from the penalty spot.

Switzerland now move onto four points from their opening two matches, temporarily taking top spot in Group B ahead of the clash between Canada and Qatar.