Switzerland vs Bosnia & Herzegovina

The opening 45 minutes offered little to write home about. Both sides felt each other out in the Los Angeles heat, with Switzerland enjoying the bulk of possession (62% overall) but failing to turn it into clear-cut chances. Bosnia sat deep in a compact 4-4-2, with Edin Džeko leading the line and Nikola Vasilj untroubled in goal.

Remo Freuler and Granit Xhaka controlled the midfield zone, but Switzerland's build-up play was too slow to trouble Sead Kolašinac and Nikola Katić at the back. The best chance of the half fell to Dan Ndoye, whose effort was comfortably held by Vasilj. At the other end, Gregor Kobel was a virtual spectator.

Yakin had seen enough. On 71 minutes, he sent on Johan Manzambi, Ruben Vargas and Fabian Rieder in a triple substitution that would change the game entirely.

74' — Manzambi breaks the deadlock (1-0)

Within three minutes of entering the field, Manzambi made his mark. The 20-year-old Freiburg attacker — named by UEFA as the Europa League's Revelation of the Season — collected the ball on the edge of the box, shifted it onto his right foot, and curled a precise finish beyond Vasilj into the far corner. SoFi Stadium erupted.

Bosnia's response came through Džeko, who drew a yellow card for a late challenge on Nico Elvedi moments later. But the game swung decisively on 80 minutes.

80' — Bosnia reduced to ten men

Tarik Muharemović, introduced as a substitute, was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge. Bosnia's task went from difficult to near-impossible.

84' — Vargas doubles the lead (2-0)

Switzerland made the extra man count immediately. Breel Embolo slipped a clever pass to Vargas, and the Augsburg winger bent a low, first-time shot around Vasilj and inside the far post. A finish of real quality that killed the contest.

90' — Manzambi's second (3-0)

The substitute was not finished. Xhaka produced a sublime no-look pass to release Vargas down the left, and the winger unselfishly cut the ball back to Manzambi, who swept home from close range for his second of the night.

90+2' — Mahmić pulls one back (3-1)

Bosnia refused to fold. Deep into stoppage time, substitute Ermin Mahmić unleashed a fierce drive from distance that flew through a crowded penalty area and gave Kobel no chance. A moment of individual quality for the Bosnian fans to cheer.

90+7' — Xhaka penalty seals it (4-1)

There was still time for more drama. Amar Memic clumsily caught Djibril Sow in the box, referee João Pedro Pinheiro pointed to the spot, and captain Granit Xhaka stepped up to smash his penalty into the bottom corner. Typical composure from the Leverkusen midfielder.

The result puts Switzerland top of Group B on goal difference after the opening round of matches. With Canada and Qatar facing each other later on Thursday, the Swiss have laid down an early marker in the race for the last 32.

For Bosnia, it is a devastating start. Having kept Switzerland at bay for 73 minutes and competed admirably with 11 men, they were undone by Yakin's bold substitutions and Muharemović's moment of madness. They will need results against Canada and Qatar to have any hope of progression.

• Possession: Switzerland 62% — 38% Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Shots: Switzerland 13 (7 on target) — 5 (3 on target) Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Expected Goals (xG): Switzerland 2.06 — 0.23 Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Corner kicks: Switzerland 7 — 3 Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Fouls: Switzerland 7 — 18 Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Pass accuracy: Switzerland 88% — 81% Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Attendance: 70,026 at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood

The 20-year-old substitute needed just 19 minutes on the pitch to score twice and completely change the complexion of the match. His intelligent movement, composure in front of goal, and ability to arrive in the box at the right moment made the difference. Before the tournament, BBC Sport named him one of 20 young players to watch. He has already justified that billing.

Switzerland face Qatar in their second Group B fixture, while Bosnia & Herzegovina take on co-hosts Canada in a must-win encounter.