INGLEWOOD, California, June 18 : 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“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.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Manzambi said he had not had many options when the chance for his first goal arrived in a crowded penalty area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“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.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“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.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yakin praised Manzambi’s versatility and unpredictability, saying the youngster’s range of qualities gave his side another attacking option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“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.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yakin added that Manzambi still needed to develop more structure in his game but said Switzerland were willing to give him freedom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“He put a lot of pressure on the opponent,” Yakin said. “He’s a player who can surprise us as well as the opponent.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yakin said Manzambi could yet earn a starting role. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Maybe we can use Johan right from the start,” he said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We will see what will happen in the future.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The whole team has a really good feeling,” he said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We know why we didn’t start so well, and we knew we had to do more.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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