Switzerland beat Colombia on penalties to reach first World Cup quarter-final since 1954

Ruben Vargas scores decisive spot-kick as Swiss win 4-3 in shootout after goalless 120 minutes; Gregor Kobel’s save sends them into quarter-final clash with holders Argentina

Sports Desk

VANCOUVER: Switzerland made history on Wednesday by reaching their first FIFA World Cup quarter-final since 1954 after defeating Colombia 4-3 on penalties following a tense goalless draw that lasted 120 minutes.

Ruben Vargas delivered the decisive moment in the shootout, calmly converting Switzerland’s final penalty to secure a historic victory and set up a quarter-final meeting with defending champions Argentina.

The Swiss gained the advantage in the penalty contest when goalkeeper Gregor Kobel saved Colombia substitute Cucho Hernández’s attempt, while Davinson Sánchez had earlier struck the crossbar for the South Americans. Switzerland also missed one penalty through Manuel Akanji, who fired over the target, but Vargas held his nerve to seal the win.

“It is very difficult for me to realise what we achieved today,” Vargas said after the match. “For 120 minutes we gave everything on the pitch. We faced a strong opponent, but now we have made history.”

The defeat ended Colombia’s hopes of reaching the World Cup quarter-finals for only the second time in their history. Their previous appearance at this stage came during the 2014 tournament in Brazil.

The match was a closely fought contest, with both sides struggling to break through disciplined defensive lines. Colombia created the first major chance in the 21st minute when Gustavo Puerta’s curling effort from outside the box forced Kobel into a superb diving save.

Switzerland responded soon after, but Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas denied Fabian Rieder from a difficult angle to keep the score level.

The Swiss came closest to scoring in normal time when Dan Ndoye found space in stoppage time but dragged his low effort narrowly wide of the far post.

Colombia nearly ended the deadlock in extra time when Jhon Lucumí rose to meet a corner, only for his header to crash against the crossbar. The miss sparked an attacking surge from both teams, but neither side could find a winning goal before the penalty shootout.

Switzerland entered the match as one of the tournament’s most consistent teams, having qualified for their sixth consecutive World Cup. Despite regular appearances in the knockout stages, they had failed to progress beyond the round of 16 in recent editions, including exits in 2006, 2014, 2018 and 2022.

Their victory marked a significant breakthrough and also helped erase memories of their penalty shootout defeat to England in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals.

The Swiss were forced to cope without young attacking talent Johan Manzambi, who was ruled out before kickoff after suffering a knee injury during training. The 20-year-old had been one of Switzerland’s standout performers at the tournament with three goals and two assists.

The atmosphere inside Vancouver’s BC Place was electric, with Colombia’s passionate supporters creating a sea of yellow and turning the stadium into a virtual home venue for their team. Despite the overwhelming support for Colombia, Switzerland remained composed and produced the decisive moments when it mattered most.

Switzerland will now face Argentina in the quarter-finals in Kansas City. The reigning champions booked their place in the last eight after recovering from a two-goal deficit to defeat Egypt 3-2 earlier in the tournament.