Switzerland reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup for the first time in 72 years after defeating Colombia in a dramatic penalty shootout in Vancouver.
Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel was the hero for the Swiss, saving a crucial spot-kick from Colombia forward Cucho Hernández to secure a 4-3 shootout victory under the roof at a sweltering BC Place. The tense victory ends a historic drought for Murat Yakin’s side, who have booked a dream quarter-final clash against reigning world champions Argentina.
Kobel Stands Tall Amid Shootout Drama
A grueling, rather uneventful 90 minutes and subsequent extra-time period finished goalless, forcing the round-of-16 tie to be decided from 12 yards. Both teams missed early opportunities from the spot; Colombia’s Dávinson Sánchez rattled the underside of the crossbar before Swiss defender Manuel Akanji skied his effort over the bar to reset the balance.
Kobel then delivered the defining moment of the evening, diving low to his right to beat away Hernández’s firm effort. Cédric Itten kept his nerve to restore the Swiss advantage before substitute Rubén Vargas stepped up to smash home the winning penalty, sparking ecstatic celebrations on the pitch.
Colombia Ruand Out after Finishing Woes
The shootout heartbreak was a cruel blow for Colombia, who exit the competition having conceded just one goal across their entire tournament campaign. Backed by a boisterous, heavily South American crowd in British Columbia, Néstor Lorenzo’s side dominated broad stretches of possession but lacked a clinical focal point in the final third.
Luis Díaz and James Rodríguez—who earned a record-breaking 131st international cap—engineered several promising opportunities in the opening half, but final openings remained scarce. Colombia’s best chance fell late in extra time following a rare defensive blunder by Granit Xhaka, but substitute Jaminton Campaz curled his effort wastefully over the crossbar with the goal gaping.
The Swiss successfully navigated the match despite being dealt a major blow prior to kickoff, with tournament breakout star Johan Manzambi sidelined due to a knee injury. Yakin will hope both Manzambi and match-winner Vargas can return to full fitness before they face Lionel Messi’s Argentina at Kansas City Stadium on Sunday, 12 July.
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