Soccer: Swiss wonderkid Manzambi dazzles in World Cup win

INGLEWOOD: Johan Manzambi said he hoped he had repaid the faith shown in him after coming off the bench to score twice in Switzerland's 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in Group B of the World Cup on Thursday.

The 20-year-old midfielder was introduced late in the second half at Los Angeles Stadium and made an immediate impact, striking twice to seal a victory that ‌lifted Swiss spirits ⁠after a ⁠disappointing 1-1 draw with Qatar in their opener.

"It's incredible, it's the first brace of my entire career," Manzambi said. "And ​to do it at the World Cup, especially after we didn't get off to the best start."


Manzambi ​said he had not had many options when the chance for his first goal arrived in a crowded penalty area.

"Honestly, there wasn't much space in the box," he said. "I don't think ​there were a thousand options, but - thank God - it came ⁠off."

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The Freiburg ‌player said he had entered the match determined to make an impact ​rather than ​feeling any nerves on the sport's biggest stage.

"I came on with the ⁠mindset of wanting to help my team, to give the ​best I could," he said. "The advice I got was purely tactical. (Swiss ​coach Murat Yakin) told me to let my talent shine, and I think I showed that."

Yakin praised Manzambi's versatility and unpredictability, saying the youngster's range of qualities gave his side another attacking option.

"Johan is just a very happy person with so many football qualities," Yakin said. "He had a very good season with Freiburg. He is very versatile - in defence, midfield, on ‌the flanks, as a striker."

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Yakin added that Manzambi still needed to develop more structure in his game but said Switzerland were willing to give him ​freedom.

"He put a ​lot of pressure on ⁠the opponent," Yakin said. "He's a player who can surprise us as well as the opponent."

Yakin said Manzambi could yet earn a starting role.

"Maybe we can use Johan right from the start," he ​said.

"We will see what will happen in the future."

Manzambi said having his family present made the day even more special and said Switzerland's squad had responded well after a sluggish opening to the campaign.

"The whole team has a really good feeling," he said.

"We know why we didn't start so well, and we knew we had to do more."