RED CARD DECIDED THE WORLD CUP CLASH: Switzerland’s quick goals proved too much for Bosnia in a dramatic finish! (VIDEO)

The Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team suffered a 4-1 defeat to Switzerland in their Group B second-round match at the World Cup.

After their opening match against Canada and a disciplined performance against the hosts that resulted in a 1-1 draw, there was certainly hope in Bosnia and Herzegovina that they could achieve something significant against Switzerland, who had suffered a major setback against Qatar.

That somehow gave hope and optimism to the Dragons, but their tactics ultimately turned out to be a major mistake, as everything seemed doomed from the start. The first half was so poor and unattractive that there was hardly any football to watch. The Bosnians simply defended and wanted to finish the match with one point, planning to chase qualification against Qatar.

Meanwhile, Switzerland looked like a predator patiently waiting for its prey, and eventually it got what it wanted. Just one goal in Nikola Vasilj’s net hinted at the collapse of the Dragons, which continued in the following minutes.

First, Tarik Muharemović received a red card, and then two more goals followed.

Bosnia and Herzegovina completely fell apart in this match, and their progression at the World Cup is now in doubt.

Right from the start, Bosnia and Herzegovina pushed forward toward goal and earned a corner after a careless reaction by the Swiss. Demirović could have found himself in a promising position, but nothing came from the set piece. Just 60 seconds later, Switzerland also threatened and won a corner. It was an opening that promised a lot but delivered nothing.

The Swiss could have created a more serious threat in the sixth minute after a miscommunication between Muharemović and Katić led to another corner from the Sassuolo player. However, once again, nothing came of it.

It took a long time for any real chances to appear. Ndoye tried in the 10th minute, and the same player could have been more dangerous shortly afterward, but he attempted a backheel and failed to connect. Practically immediately after that, the game entered a period in which nothing happened.

Bosnia and Herzegovina defended, only giving a slight indication in the 32nd minute that they were present in the match, but it was far from a serious opportunity. Memić threatened in the 37th minute, but even that came more out of desperation.

Things could have become more dangerous in the 40th minute, but Alajbegović released the ball too late to Džeko, who was simply blocked. That was all the first half had to offer, and it was not interesting at all for fans in the stadium or watching on television.

The first half provided little optimism for the second, which began with an attempt from Ndoye in the 51st minute. Vasilj remained calm and dealt with it easily, even though the Swiss striker tried something very clever.

What truly shook things up was another effort from Ndoye. In the 56th minute he broke free from his marker, attempted an acrobatic bicycle kick and struck it well, but Vasilj made the save. VAR then intervened and ruled that he had been offside.

Sergej Barbarez decided to make substitutions, and it paid off. The match was in its 69th minute when Dedić threatened. It was the Dragons’ only attempt of the match up to that point. He took a shot, the ball changed direction, but Kobel remained outstanding.

Just five minutes later, the breakthrough arrived. Vargas burst forward and delivered a cross. Bosnia and Herzegovina initially cleared the danger, but the ball fell to Manzambi, who struck a volley and found the net.

What completely killed Bosnia and Herzegovina’s hopes was Muharemović’s red card, which came only six minutes later. He recklessly brought down Breel Embolo and was shown a straight red card, opening even more space for the Swiss, who quickly added another goal.

Eduardo Vargas surged forward, reached the penalty area and calmly beat Vasilj.

Just when it seemed the match was over, the same duo combined again. Vargas once more broke through, delivered the pass and found Manzambi, who finished the match with his second goal.

In the end, Mahmić managed to score only a consolation goal for his national team.