Colombia have conceded just once at the World Cup so far, establishing themselves as one of the tournament’s most stubborn defensive units. Their last-16 meeting on Tuesday takes them to Vancouver’s BC Place to face their toughest opponent yet: 20-year-old breakout talent Johan Manzambi and Switzerland.
Manzambi began the tournament as a substitute in the opening game against Qatar, but his impact quickly accelerated. After coming off the bench and finding the net twice in a 4-1 victory over Bosnia, he has become a central piece of Murat Yakin’s attacking plans, contributing three goals and two assists to date.
“From the first day, he was a special player, a valuable player … he’s improving from game to game, and he’s very dangerous for every attack,” Yakin said after Manzambi provided an assist for Breel Embolo’s opener in Switzerland’s 2-0 last-32 win over Algeria.
Switzerland’s forward group—Manzambi, Embolo, Dan Ndoye and Ruben Vargas—has carried its momentum into North America. The quartet has been responsible for eight of the Swiss side’s nine goals, and they arrive in Vancouver after a relatively comfortable victory over Algeria.
Both teams head into the knockout round still unbeaten at the World Cup. Colombia have blended attacking energy, tempo and flair with a disciplined, physical defensive approach that limits the space their opponents can use.
“I think Colombia is for sure a different style of play to how they play football – they will play emotional football, but also very intensive and straightforward. We have to be prepared for that, because I think this will be a very strong collective opponent,” Swiss midfielder Ardon Jashari cautioned ahead of the match.
For Switzerland, the route through Colombia’s defence will likely run through Manzambi. He is frequently the option his teammates pick out to ignite counter-attacks, and his assist for Embolo against Algeria came from a sharp run down the left channel. Switzerland will aim to keep him involved whenever they can turn defence into attack.
Yakin also praised Manzambi’s overall effect on the team. “Besides the fact that he brings out the quality of the other players on the pitch, he’s also very humble, he works cleverly and is team-oriented. It’s a great pleasure to see him play like that,” he said. “And of course, if he helps the team to win, then it’s even nicer.”
The victor of Tuesday’s last-16 tie will advance to the quarter-finals to take on either Argentina or Egypt.
