Switzerland reached the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1954 after beating Colombia 4-3 in a penalty shootout following a goalless 120 minutes on Tuesday.
Ruben Vargas scored the winning spot-kick after goalkeeper Gregor Kobel made a crucial save to deny Cucho Hernandez. Colombia’s Davinson Sanchez had earlier hit the crossbar, giving Switzerland the advantage in the shootout.
Although Manuel Akanji missed his penalty by firing over the bar, Vargas calmly slotted home the decisive kick to send Switzerland into the last eight, where they will face defending champions Argentina.
It was a heartbreaking end for Colombia, who were hoping to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for only the second time after their run to the last eight in 2014.
The match was closely contested, with both sides creating chances but failing to find a breakthrough.
Colombia came closest in the first half when Gustavo Puerta curled a powerful shot towards the far corner, but Kobel produced an excellent diving save to keep it out.
Switzerland responded soon after, but Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas denied Fabian Rieder from a tight angle.
The Swiss nearly won the match in stoppage time when Dan Ndoye made a clever run into the box, only to drag his shot just wide of the far post.
In extra time, Colombia almost grabbed the winner as Jhon Lucumi rose highest to meet a corner, but his header crashed against the crossbar.
Both teams pushed hard for a late goal, but neither could break the deadlock, sending the match to penalties.
Colombia came into the game with one of the best defensive records in the tournament, having conceded only one goal in their previous matches.
Switzerland were forced to deal with a major setback before kick-off after 20-year-old forward Johan Manzambi, one of the stars of the tournament with three goals and two assists, was ruled out with a knee injury suffered in training.
Playing in their sixth straight World Cup, Switzerland had repeatedly fallen at the Round of 16 stage in recent tournaments, exiting in 2006, 2014, 2018 and 2022.
This time, however, they finally broke that barrier and reached the World Cup quarter-finals for only the fourth time in their history.
The victory also helped erase the disappointment of their Euro 2024 quarter-final defeat to England on penalties.
After Vargas converted the winning penalty, the entire Swiss squad rushed onto the pitch to celebrate together. Moreover, the atmosphere at BC Place was dominated by Colombia supporters, whose sea of yellow shirts and constant noise made it feel like a home game for the South Americans.
Switzerland will now take on Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the quarter-finals in Kansas City after the defending champions staged a remarkable comeback from two goals down to beat Egypt 3-2 earlier on Tuesday.
