The Albany Gazette - Swiss wunderkind Manzambi scores 'childhood dream' brace

"Honestly, it's incredible -- it's the first brace of my entire career," a gleeful Manzambi told reporters after the game, which ended in a flurry of Switzerland goals.

"And to do it at the World Cup, especially after we didn't get off to the best start? Honestly it's a childhood dream come true," he said, switching between French and German languages.

Following Switzerland's disappointing opening draw with Qatar, some Swiss pundits have been calling for coach Murat Yakin to play more young stars in a team dominated by veterans like Granit Xhaka and Ricardo Rodriguez.

Twenty-year-old Manzambi plies his trade in the German league, firing Freiburg to last month's Europa League final.

Typically a box-to-box midfielder, the versatile young star was brought on by Yakin in the 72nd minute as a winger.

"He told me to let my talent shine, and I think I showed that today as best I could," Manzambi said after.

After just two minutes on the field, he volleyed in Switzerland's opener from a loose clearance.

"Honestly, when the ball was in the air in the box, I didn't see a clear option. But thank God, the ball went in," he said.

Manzambi also helped created Switzerland's second before steering the team's third past the Bosnian goalkeeper from fellow substitute Ruben Vargas's cross.

After the game Yakin paid tribute to a Manzambi's "many football qualities," not least his ability to play in almost any position.

"He learned how to play on the streets. He needs to be more structured, but he is making headway with that," said Yakin.

While praising Manzambi's ability to "even surprise us as well as opponents with what he can do," the coach defended his decision to start with the more experienced Fabian Rieder.

"Johan needs more time to know all the details, all the positions. He needs to be more disciplined," he said.

With the Swiss now almost certain of a place in the knockout rounds, on four points, teammate Silvan Widmer appeared to acknowledge that the clamor will likely grow for youngsters like Manzambi to play a bigger role.

"In football you need a mix of experience and young players who possess those skills," he said.

"It was crucial for us to get those players on the pitch today -- excellent players who can decide matches."

(F.Jackson--TAG)