VANCOUVER, July 8:Switzerland booked their place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1954 after defeating Colombia 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout following a goalless draw in the Round of 16 on Tuesday.
The tense encounter at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver remained scoreless through 90 minutes and extra time despite both teams creating several scoring opportunities.
Colombia looked the more threatening side in the opening half, with Gustavo Puerta forcing an excellent save from Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel in the 21st minute. Switzerland gradually settled into the match, but efforts from Fabian Rieder and Dan Ndoye were denied by Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas.
Switzerland increased the pressure after the break and appealed for a penalty in the 50th minute when Ndoye appeared to be pulled down inside the box. However, following a VAR review, the referee upheld the decision not to award a spot-kick.
Both sides continued to push for a breakthrough. Colombia came closest in extra time when Jhon Lucumí’s powerful header struck the crossbar in the 99th minute, while Vargas made a superb save to deny substitute Zeki Amdouni moments later.
Colombia squandered the best chance of the match in the 115th minute after Granit Xhaka lost possession, but Jáminton Campaz failed to convert a one-on-one opportunity, sending his effort over the bar.
The match was ultimately decided from the penalty spot.
Juan Quintero converted Colombia’s opening penalty before Xhaka responded for Switzerland. Davinson Sánchez then hit the crossbar, giving Switzerland the advantage, although Manuel Akanji later missed to keep the shootout level.
The decisive moment came when Kobel saved Cucho Hernández’s fourth penalty. Cedric Itten converted Switzerland’s next kick, and although Luis Díaz kept Colombia’s hopes alive by scoring the fifth penalty, Rubin Vargas calmly converted the final spot-kick to secure a 4-3 shootout victory.
The win sends Switzerland into the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in 72 years. They will now face defending champions Argentina in the last eight.
