Switzerland Advances to World Cup Quarterfinals After Defeating Colombia in Shootout

Ruben Vargas successfully converted his penalty, enabling Switzerland to move to the World Cup quarterfinals with a 4-3 shootout victory over Colombia. The match remained scoreless through regular and extra time on Tuesday.

Switzerland will face defending champion Argentina on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Earlier in the day, Argentina secured a 3-2 win against Egypt.

Switzerland last reached the World Cup quarterfinals in 1954, when they hosted the tournament. On Tuesday, they played without young midfielder Johan Manzambi, who suffered an injury during training on Monday.

Despite leaving Monday’s training early, Vargas proved crucial in the shootout. He came into the game during stoppage time at the end of regulation. Vargas has contributed two goals in the tournament thus far.

Colombian defender Davinson Sanchez saw his penalty strike the crossbar, and Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel stopped an attempt by Cucho Hernandez.

The stadium was filled with vibrant support for Colombia, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino present among the audience at BC Place. Colombia’s past World Cup experience included reaching the quarterfinals in 2014, but they did not qualify for the 2022 edition.

Switzerland consistently made it to the round of 16 in the last three World Cups but struggled to advance further with the previous field set at 32 teams. This tournament offered a fresh chance.

Both teams showcased a different playing style. Switzerland played with a structured approach, while Colombia favored offensive tactics. The Swiss had a marginal advantage in ball possession.

Manzambi, with three goals so far, plays for German club Freiburg and is recognized as a rising star. Alongside him, Switzerland missed out on players Luca Jaquez and Michel Aebischer.

Gustavo Puerta of Colombia had a notable chance with a long-range shot in the 21st minute, which was turned away by Kobel. Meanwhile, Switzerland’s Fabian Reider tested Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas with a powerful shot in the 30th minute. Moments later, Vargas thwarted another effort by Dan Ndoye.

During a 52nd-minute free kick, Reider’s shot bypassed the defensive wall but landed in the side netting.

In extra time, Jhon Lucumi’s header for Colombia rebounded off the crossbar, maintaining the pressure on Swiss goalkeeper Kobel.

Previously, Colombia and Switzerland competed in the group stage of the 1994 World Cup in the United States, where Colombia emerged victorious with a 2-0 win.