Switzerland secured a dramatic place in the World Cup quarter-finals after defeating Colombia 4-3 in a penalty shootout following a goalless 120 minutes at BC Place Vancouver. Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel emerged as the match winner by denying Cucho Hernandez from the spot, sending Murat Yakin’s side into the last eight for the first time since 1954.
The shootout swung back and forth after both teams saw central defenders fail from 12 yards. Davinson Sanchez struck the underside of the crossbar for Colombia, while Manuel Akanji blasted Switzerland’s attempt over the bar. Kobel’s outstanding save from Hernandez then proved decisive before Granit Xhaka, Zeki Amdouni, Cedric Itten, and Ruben Vargas all converted to complete the Swiss victory.
The result books Switzerland into a quarter-final meeting with reigning champions Argentina at Kansas City Stadium on Sunday, 12 July, at 02:00 BST as they continue their impressive tournament run.
Few openings before late drama
Clear-cut opportunities were difficult to find throughout normal time as both teams struggled to establish attacking rhythm. Colombia came closest when Jhon Lucumi’s header from a corner crashed against the crossbar, while Switzerland found it equally difficult to break through a disciplined defence.
The contest became more open during extra time. Jaminton Campaz tested Kobel with a powerful long-range strike that required an unconventional save from the Swiss goalkeeper as Colombia searched for a breakthrough.
The South Americans were then presented with the best opportunity of the match in the closing stages of extra time. Following a defensive error from Xhaka, Campaz curled his effort over the target, a costly miss that ultimately sent the game to penalties.
Colombia left to regret missed opportunities
Colombia’s campaign came to an end despite conceding only one goal during the tournament. They had finished above Portugal to win their group before eliminating Ghana in the last 32, but they were unable to turn their dominance into a winning goal in Vancouver despite strong backing from a largely Colombian crowd.
Luis Diaz and James Rodriguez, who made his 131st international appearance to become his country’s record appearance holder, attempted to unlock the Swiss defence in the first half. However, Colombia lacked a consistent attacking focal point, making it difficult to create high-quality chances.
Second-half substitute Campaz and Juan Quintero injected energy into the attack, yet Campaz’s late miss proved decisive. Colombia ended the tournament with only five goals from 94 shots and suffered another painful World Cup penalty-shootout exit after also losing on spot kicks in the round of 16 in 2018.
Switzerland look ahead to Argentina
Switzerland have now celebrated two knockout victories in the same World Cup after previously overcoming Algeria in the last 32. Their reward is a meeting with Argentina as they attempt to halt the reigning champions’ pursuit of consecutive World Cup titles.
The Swiss achieved this success without Johan Manzambi, who missed the match through injury after contributing three goals and two assists earlier in the competition. His absence was evident as Switzerland lacked some of the pace and attacking creativity he had provided throughout the tournament.
Ruben Vargas, another player who had scored twice earlier in the competition, was only fit enough for a place among the substitutes. Nevertheless, he entered late in the contest and calmly converted the winning penalty, giving Switzerland hope that both he and Manzambi could be available for the quarter-final.
