Updated

Updated · The Associated Press · Jul 7

Switzerland Loses 20-Year-Old Johan Manzambi for Colombia Clash After 3 Goals at World Cup

Updated

Updated · The Associated Press · Jul 7

Switzerland Loses 20-Year-Old Johan Manzambi for Colombia Clash After 3 Goals at World Cup

Q: How did a depleted Swiss team achieve their first World Cup quarterfinal since 1954?

Switzerland reached their first World Cup quarterfinal since 1954 by grinding out a 0-0 draw with Colombia and then winning the penalty shootout 4-3, despite missing key players. The Swiss were depleted above all by the loss of breakout midfielder Johan Manzambi, who was ruled out after suffering an injury in training on the eve of the match. His absence removed a player who had produced three goals and two assists in the tournament. Switzerland were also managing other fitness problems, including defender Luca Jaquez being sidelined and Michel Aebischer limited, while Rubén Vargas had also cut training short before the game. Even so, Murat Yakin’s side stayed organized through 120 minutes in what was widely described as a tense, tactical contest. Switzerland created little without Manzambi’s attacking spark, but they remained disciplined defensively and relied on goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, who made important saves to keep Colombia out. Colombia also failed to capitalize, even striking the crossbar in extra time. The match was decided from the spot. Switzerland held their nerve better: Colombia’s Davinson Sánchez hit the bar and Cucho Hernández had his penalty saved by Kobel. Although Manuel Akanji missed for Switzerland, Vargas converted the decisive kick to seal the 4-3 shootout win. That resilience, defensive control and composure in penalties ended Switzerland’s long run of Round of 16 exits and sent them into a quarterfinal against Argentina.

Q: Will Manzambi's injury jeopardize his quarterfinal return and his potential €60 million club transfer?

Manzambi’s injury appears to have put his quarterfinal availability in real doubt, but it is not currently seen as a threat to his potential €60 million transfer. The immediate sporting impact is clear. He was ruled out of Switzerland’s Round of 16 win over Colombia after suffering a non-contact knee injury in training, and reporting around the team indicated Switzerland was expected to be without him for the quarterfinal as well. While there were suggestions the injury might not be as serious as first feared, there has been no firm indication that he is ready to return against Argentina. In that sense, the injury has jeopardized his short-term World Cup involvement. The transfer picture looks different. Manzambi’s value has been built on a broader body of work: a breakout season with Freiburg, three goals and two assists in four World Cup matches, and strong interest from clubs including Newcastle United. Freiburg’s asking price has been reported around €60 million, with some estimates even higher after his tournament performances. Crucially, the available reporting says the setback is not expected to damage his transfer prospects. Clubs tracking him were already buying into his long-term upside, versatility and form, not just one knockout match. Unless medical tests reveal a more serious knee problem than currently understood, the injury looks more likely to delay his next appearance than derail a major move.

3 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Jul 7

Johan Manzambi will miss Switzerland’s World Cup round-of-16 match against Colombia on Tuesday, removing one of the team’s breakout attackers before the knockout game in Vancouver.
Three goals and two assists in four matches had made the 20-year-old midfielder a key piece after he opened the tournament on the bench and then won a starting role by the third game.
Monday’s final training session also saw Ruben Vargas and Djibril Sow leave early, though both were still available off the bench after further medical checks.
Switzerland is already without Luca Jaquez and Michel Aebischer, while Colombia has lost striker Jhon Cordoba for the rest of the tournament and has also managed an illness in camp.
Tuesday’s winner advances to a quarterfinal against Argentina on Saturday.