Switzerland Advances to World Cup Quarterfinals with Penalty Shootout Victory Over Colombia

Switzerland defeated Colombia in a penalty shootout in Vancouver on Tuesday to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup. They will face title holders Argentina, who survived an almighty scare against Egypt earlier in the day.

Switzerland prevailed 4-3 on penalties after a 0-0 draw following extra time, with goalkeeper Gregor Kobel delivering a crucial save on Cucho Hernandez’s attempt before Ruben Vargas converted the decisive kick. The victory marks Switzerland’s first quarter-final appearance since hosting the tournament in 1954, achieved despite missing injured star Johan Manzambi who sat out training Monday with an injury.

Switzerland reach their first quarter-final since 1954

The match lived up to its cagey reputation, with neither side managing to break the deadlock after 120 minutes of play. Both teams had opportunities in the shootout, with both sets of kickers missing their penalties before Switzerland’s composure under pressure proved decisive.

Vargas wins it for the Swiss!! Colombia 3-4 Switzerland!

The substitute steps up to convert the winning penalty, wrong-footing the Colombian goalkeeper as Switzerland celebrates its historic advancement.

Díaz scores! Colombia 3-3 Switzerland

Colombia’s representative reduces the deficit with a calm finish, keeping their hopes alive in the shootout.

Itten scores! Colombia 2-3 Switzerland

Switzerland moves within striking distance of victory with a well-taken effort from close range.

Kobel saves! Colombia 2-2 Switzerland

Hernandez’s shot appeared destined for the corner, but Kobel’s fingertips produce a spectacular rejection that keeps Switzerland’s dream alive.

Akanji misses! Colombia 2-2 Switzerland

The African striker sends his attempt high over the crossbar, maintaining the tension in the shootout.

Campaz scores! Colombia 2-2 Switzerland

Colombia’s representative restores their momentum with a precise placement under the goalkeeper’s reach.

Amdouni scores! Colombia 1-2 Switzerland

The Swiss midfielder calmly slots home from the right corner, capitalizing on the keeper’s mispositioning.

Sanchez hits the crossbar! Colombia 1-1 Switzerland

A ambitious effort strikes the upright and bounces back towards the goal line before being cleared.

Xhaka scores! Colombia 1-1 Switzerland

The captain’s powerful strike finds the back of the net, leveling the contest with a towering effort from inside the area.

Quintero scores! Colombia 1-0 Switzerland

Colombia opens the scoring with a straightforward penalty down the middle of the goal.

Ghosts of 2018 exit for Colombia

Colombia faced a similar penalty shootout fate in 2018 against England, and this encounter carried unsettling echoes of that heartbreaking departure from Russia.

Penalties!

The match culminates in the predetermined destination for any World Cup clash finishing deadlocked after 120 minutes.

Mina replaces Lucumi

Lucumi exits injured, replaced by Yerry Mina—a player famed for his dramatic late equalizer against England in the 2018 encounter.

Campaz squanders a golden chance!

A defensive mix-up grants Campaz a one-on-one opportunity, yet the forward inexplicably fires wide of the target—an misses representing the match’s defining moment of frustration.

And another

Xhaka replicates his earlier miss from distance, this time sending his effort over the bar from within the penalty area.

Woeful shot

Quintero’s long-range attempt sails far beyond the target, adding to the afternoon’s collection of wasteful chances.

Back to scrappy football

Fatigue visibly impacts both sides, resulting in a markedly less clinical approach as the match wears on.

We’re off again

The second half commences with both teams aware that extra time looms as the evening’s likely conclusion.

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