YAKIN HAILS TACTICAL SUBSTITUTIONS AS SWITZERLAND THRASH BOSNIA

Switzerland coach Murat Yakin credited a well-timed double substitution for his side’s emphatic 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in Group B.

With the game still level, Yakin introduced Johan Manzambi and Ruben Vargas after the second hydration break, and the duo transformed the match.

Manzambi scored twice, while Vargas netted once and provided an assist as Switzerland struck four late goals to move onto four points.

“It was very important that we had all of our energy on the pitch. This was our strategy,” Yakin said. “We brought on very quick players. Our opponents ran a lot and this created gaps.”

The Swiss coach said waiting until the hydration break to make changes prevented Bosnia from reacting.

“We could have made the substitutions earlier, but then the opponent would have had the chance to react,” he said. “That’s why I waited for the hydration break. This was the right decision today.”

Yakin also praised 20-year-old Manzambi for his match-winning impact.

“He can dribble, score and put a lot of pressure on opponents. He can surprise us as much as the opponent,” he said.

The victory leaves Switzerland in a strong position ahead of their final group-stage clash against Canada.