Ruben Vargas converted his penalty and Switzerland advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals with a 4-3 shootout win over Colombia after a scoreless draw on Tuesday at BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Switzerland's Historic Achievement
Switzerland will next face defending champion Argentina on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Argentina defeated Egypt 3-2 earlier in the day. This marks Switzerland's first quarterfinal appearance since hosting the tournament in 1954.
The Swiss were shorthanded without young midfielder Johan Manzambi, who was injured in training on Monday. Vargas, who has scored two goals in the World Cup, also left Monday's training early but was available off the bench and came on in stoppage time at the end of regulation.
Shootout Drama
Colombia defender Davinson Sanchez's penalty attempt hit the crossbar, and Switzerland goalkeeper Grego Kobel saved an attempt by Cucho Hernandez, giving the Swiss the edge in the shootout. FIFA President Gianni Infantino was among those at BC Place, where the sellout crowd was overwhelmingly clad in yellow in support of Colombia.
Colombia's World Cup Journey
Colombia failed to qualify for the last World Cup in 2022. The team made the quarterfinals at the 2014 tournament in Brazil, defeating Uruguay in the round of 16 before losing to the host country 2-1.
Switzerland's Recent World Cup Performance
The Swiss reached the round of 16 at the past three World Cups but failed to advance with a smaller field of 32 teams.
Match Analysis
The match was tightly contested by two teams with contrasting styles, the Swiss with a more organized approach and Colombia more attack oriented. Switzerland had a slight edge in possession but both teams had two shots on goal.
