Xhaka scores goal against Bosnia-Herzegovina, silences critics
Photo: Associated Press
Captain Granit Xhaka scored for Switzerland to secure their first win at the 2026 World Cup. Switzerland won 4-1 against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday night, with the goals coming in the final minutes of the match. Switzerland now have four points in Group B, while Bosnia and Herzegovina remain on one point.
There has been a lot of criticism towards Xhaka recently in the Swiss media, who have reported that a “toxic” climate is being created in Switzerland. But Xhaka silenced the critics after scoring a goal from the penalty spot in the seventh minute of extra time. He celebrated by making a hand gesture to calm the critics.
"People know who I am. Some people can't stand criticism. I'm someone who criticizes myself before criticizing others. It's taken differently when I say something, but I don't know any different. Switzerland can be proud to have a player with 148 appearances, for these colors, for the country, and with pure pride. But maybe that's what I need, I provoke a little bit. What's important is that the team is behind me. We have to perform well together. Nothing else interests me. I care about what happens on the field and it's not always easy. I'm here to succeed and that's what I'll try for as long as I'm here," Xhaka declared after the match.
Johan Manzambi and Ruben Vargas entered the field as substitutes in the 72nd minute and by the end of the match, they had scored three goals to secure Switzerland's victory in Group B, and to take a big step towards advancing to the knockout stage.
Bosnia and Herzegovina were left with one player less on the field in the 80th minute when the score was 1:0 in favor of Switzerland. Tarik Muharemović was sent off for illegally holding Breel Embolo as the last player.
Xhaka scored on the last chance of the match. He has been heavily criticised for "negative public statements".
He said after the 1:1 friendly with Australia that "you can't play like this, otherwise you go home after three games."
Xhaka also faced criticism after Switzerland's draw with Qatar in the opening match.
"If you don't take advantage of the chances that are given to you in attack, you concede a goal. Now we have to come back down to earth and face reality. And the reality is that we are not yet ready to talk about the World Cup trophy, or the best World Cup," Xhaka had emphasized.
But, Xhaka's words in the prestigious media "New York Times" have been described as a great desire for victory. And Switzerland achieved one, and a deep one. But it had to work hard until the end of the match.
Xhaka seals the victory with his first goal in the World Cup
Photo: Associated Press
Granit Xhaka has scored the first goal of the 2026 World Cup.
Xhaka converted the penalty in the seventh minute of extra time and sealed the final score of the Switzerland – Bosnia-Herzegovina match, 4:1.
Switzerland took a big step towards advancing to the knockout stages of the World Cup.
The match took place on Thursday night in Los Angeles.
Substitute Johan Manzambi scored twice, Ruben Vargas and Xhaka scored the goals in the decisive victory. All of Switzerland's goals were scored from the 74th minute. Ermin Mahmić scored in the 93rd minute for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Bosnia and Herzegovina's Tarik Muharemović was sent off in the 80th minute. He illegally tackled Breel Embolo as the last player.
Captain Granit Xhaka completed the match and excelled, while Ardon Jashari remained on the bench.
Switzerland has four points after two matches, while Bosnia and Herzegovina remains with one point.
Xhaka scores the first goal at the 2026 World Cup
Granit Xhaka has scored the first goal of the 2026 World Cup.
The Swiss captain scored in the seventh minute of extra time from the penalty spot.
Bosnia and Herzegovina scores a super goal
Bosnia and Herzegovina scored a super goal for 3:1.
Ermin Mahmiq scored with a very powerful shot in the 93rd minute.
Switzerland doesn't stop, scores a goal in the third
Substitute Johan Manzambi also scored the third goal for Switzerland.
Manzambi scored from close range to make it 3:0 in the 90th minute. Ruben Vargas assisted on his goal.
Switzerland scores another goal
Photo: Associated Press
Switzerland has scored another goal against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The goal for 2:0 was scored by Ruben Vargas in the 84th minute. He was assisted by Embolo.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is left with one less player
Bosnia and Herzegovina is left with one less player on the field.
Defender Tarik Muharemović illegally brought down Breel Embolo as the last player and was sent off with a straight red card in the 80th minute.
Switzerland takes the lead
Photo: Associated Press
Switzerland has finally scored a goal against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Midfielder Johan Manzambi joined the game in the 71st minute, and just three minutes later, he fired a powerful shot from the area for a 1:0 lead.
Switzerland had the initiative but did not score
Photo: Associated Press
Switzerland had chances to score in the first half against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but failed to capitalize.
Bosnia and Herzegovina also failed to score from the few chances they had.
And the first half ended goalless.
Half an hour of play passes, still tied
Photo: Associated Press
30 minutes of play have passed in the important match between Switzerland and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The score is still 0:0.
Switzerland had some good opportunities, but failed to convert them into goals.
Edin Dzeko, at 40 years and 93 days, has become the oldest player to play for Bosnia and Herzegovina at the World Cup.
Captain Xhaka leads Switzerland in crucial match
Captain Granit Xhaka will be present in the center of midfield again, in Switzerland's important match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which will be played at 21:00 PM.
This match belongs to Group B and is played in Los Angeles.
Group B, which also includes Canada and Qatar, is completely equal.
All teams have one point, one goal scored and one goal conceded.
Switzerland line-up:
Kobel, Widmer, Elvedi, Akanji, Rodriguez, Freuler, Xhaka, Aebischer, Rieder, Embolo, Ndoye
Bosnia and Herzegovina lineup:
Vasilj, Muharemović, Kolashinac, Dedić, Katić, Tahirović, Shunjić, Memić, Demirović, Xheko, Alajbegović