Switzerland reached their first World Cup quarter-final since 1954, beating Colombia 4-3 on penalties after a goalless 120-minute match. They will face Argentina now in the quarter-finals.
Switzerland reached their first World Cup quarter-final since 1954, beating Colombia 4-3 on penalties after a goalless 120-minute match. They will face Argentina now in the quarter-finals.
Without Manzambi, who suffered a knee injury in the final training session, Switzerland couldn't find Colombia's net in 120 minutes. But they didn't concede either, so the match went to a penalty shootout.
Colombia went first from the spot, and the shootout swung twice before it settled. Juan Quintero and Granit Xhaka traded confident openers. Then Davinson Sánchez drilled Colombia's second attempt off the crossbar, and Zeki Amdouni put Switzerland ahead. An edge that lasted exactly one round, because after Jaminton Campaz sneaked his kick under Kobel, Manuel Akanji sent Switzerland's third over the bar. Level again.
The decisive act belonged to the goalkeeper. Cucho Hernández went low to Kobel's left, and the Swiss keeper pushed it away. Cédric Itten restored the lead, Luis Díaz kept Colombia breathing, and Vargas, a late substitute, buried the kick that ended a 72-year wait for Switzerland. Their first World Cup quarter-final since 1954.
"It was amazing I could score the decisive penalty," said Vargas later.
Colombia dominated the ball and registered more shots on target, yet failed to break through. Substitute Jaminton Campaz blazed the clearest chance over the bar with only Kobel to beat. James Rodriguez ran their attack throughout.
Colombia manager Nestor Lorenzo pointed to wasted chances in a press conference lasting little more than three minutes. "What we lacked, without doubt, was scoring a goal," he said. "We had 15 attempts. That is a lot, and not scoring, you pay for it. There is nothing to reproach. Sometimes the ball goes in and sometimes it doesn't."
Lorenzo defended replacing Jhon Arias in the 66th minute, citing fatigue and the danger of a second booking that could have ruled the midfielder out of a possible quarter-final.
Switzerland coach Murat Yakin called it a landmark night. "This is a historic moment. We have reached the best ever for the Swiss team but the trip goes on," he said.
Yakin had reshaped his forward line, introducing Cedric Itten, Amdouni and Vargas just before stoppage time: "It was difficult in the beginning but we stayed in it and showed great mentality," he said. "Then I brought on the right players at the right moment. In the end it was important for the players who scored the penalties to be on the pitch then."
Goalkeeper Kobel was named Player of the Match. "It's just an incredible feeling, an incredible win for us to be here and to be in the Quarter Finals of the World Cup on this stage," he said. "As small of a country as we are, it is amazing, and I can't put it into words."
Switzerland move on to face Argentina in Kansas City, after Lionel Messi's side beat Egypt 3-2 in a comeback earlier on Tuesday. The Swiss remained unbeaten across the tournament heading into the last eight.
