Switzerland booked their place in the World Cup quarter-finals after edging Colombia 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout following a goalless draw after 120 minutes.
Switzerland edge Colombia on penalties to reach first World Cup quarter-final since 1954
VANCOUVER: Switzerland secured a historic place in the World Cup quarter-finals after defeating Colombia 4-3 on penalties following a goalless 120 minutes of play.
Ruben Vargas converted the decisive spot-kick to send the Swiss into their first World Cup quarter-final since 1954, setting up a last-eight clash with defending champions Argentina.
The tense shootout turned in Switzerland’s favour when goalkeeper Gregor Kobel saved Cucho Hernandez’s penalty, while Colombia’s Davinson Sanchez had earlier struck the crossbar to hand the Swiss a crucial advantage.
After both teams failed to find a breakthrough during regular time and extra time, Switzerland held their composure from the penalty spot to secure a memorable victory and continue their World Cup campaign.
Vargas penalty sends Switzerland into historic World Cup quarter-final
Switzerland held their nerve in a tense penalty shootout to eliminate Colombia, with Ruben Vargas scoring the decisive spot-kick to secure a 4-3 victory after 120 minutes without a goal.
Manuel Akanji missed Switzerland’s only penalty by firing over the crossbar, but Vargas stepped up under pressure and calmly placed the winning strike into the bottom corner to send the Swiss into their first World Cup quarter-final since 1954.
“It is difficult for me to understand what we achieved today,” Vargas said. “I am grateful for this moment. It was an incredible match. We gave everything for 120 minutes against a very strong opponent, and now we have made history.”
Colombia’s hopes of reaching the quarter-finals for only the second time in their history ended in disappointment. Their only previous appearance in the last eight came at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
The match produced few clear chances during normal time, with both goalkeepers making important saves. Colombia’s best opportunity came in the 21st minute when Gustavo Puerta’s curling effort from distance forced Switzerland goalkeeper Gregor Kobel into a spectacular diving save.
Switzerland responded soon after, but Colombia keeper Camilo Vargas denied Fabian Rieder from a tight angle to maintain the deadlock.
The Swiss nearly found a late winner when Dan Ndoye broke forward in the closing stages of regulation time, but his low shot narrowly missed the far post.
Colombia came closest to scoring in extra time when defender Jhon Lucumi rose to meet a corner, only for his header to strike the crossbar. Both sides continued to push forward, but neither could find a breakthrough before penalties.
Switzerland arrived at the match with a reputation for consistency, having qualified for the knockout stage at six consecutive World Cups. However, they had been eliminated in the round of 16 in their previous four appearances in 2006, 2014, 2018 and 2022.
The victory marked a significant achievement for the Swiss and helped ease the disappointment of their Euro 2024 quarter-final penalty shootout defeat to England.
Celebrations erupted at BC Place in Vancouver after Vargas converted the winning penalty, with the Swiss squad rushing to congratulate their match-winner.
Switzerland will now face defending champions Argentina in the quarter-finals in Kansas City. Argentina booked their place in the last eight after a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt.
