Switzerland Edges Colombia in Penalty Shootout to Reach World Cup Quarterfinals
Switzerland secured a place in the World Cup quarterfinals with a nail-biting 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Colombia after a goalless draw on Tuesday. Ruben Vargas converted the decisive penalty for Switzerland. The team will now face defending champions Argentina at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, on Saturday. Argentina claimed a 3-2 victory over Egypt earlier the same day.
This achievement marks Switzerland’s first entry into the quarterfinals since they hosted the tournament in 1954. The Swiss team faced the challenge of playing without young midfielder Johan Manzambi, who was sidelined due to an injury sustained during training on Monday. Despite Vargas having to leave Monday’s training early, he remained available and contributed during stoppage time at the end of regulation.
During the penalty shootout, Colombia’s defender Davinson Sanchez saw his attempt hit the crossbar, while Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel made a crucial save against Cucho Hernandez’s shot. The celebration for Switzerland was led by Ruben Vargas, who had previously netted two goals in the tournament. His decisive penalty ensured a memorable victory at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada.
Attendees at the match included FIFA President Gianni Infantino, with the stadium predominantly filled with fans supporting Colombia, identifiable by their yellow attire. Colombia, which missed qualification for the 2022 World Cup, had previously reached the quarterfinals in 2014, surpassing Uruguay in the round of 16 but falling to Brazil, the host country, with a 2-1 defeat.
Switzerland had consistently reached the round of 16 in the past three World Cups but didn’t advance further, facing challenges with a smaller pool of 32 teams. The tightly contested match featured contrasting styles from both sides, with the Swiss employing a methodical approach and Colombia focusing on attack. Despite a slight edge in possession, the Swiss found themselves limited in opportunities.
Johan Manzambi, a standout performer for Switzerland, missed the match. The 20-year-old midfielder, who represents German club Freiburg, had scored three goals and gained recognition as a breakout talent in the tournament. Switzerland also played without Luca Jaquez and midfielder Michel Aebischer.
Colombia’s Gustavo Puerta threatened early in the match with a distant shot in the 21st minute, which Kobel managed to deflect. For Switzerland, Fabian Reider attempted a powerful shot in the 30th minute, but it was met by Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas, who effectively dealt with a subsequent attempt from Dan Ndoye.
In the 52nd minute, Switzerland was granted a free kick, yet Reider’s effort narrowly missed the net. During the first extra time, Jhon Lucumi’s header rebounded off the crossbar, adding pressure on Kobel with Colombia pushing forward. The teams’ history includes a 1994 World Cup group stage match in the United States, where Colombia triumphed with a 2-0 victory over Switzerland.