Switzerland into quarter-finals after shootout drama
Switzerland reached their first World Cup quarter-final in 72 years after defeating Colombia 4–3 on penalties following a goalless draw at BC Place Vancouver.
The Swiss entered the match without injured attacking midfielder Johan Manzambi and struggled to create clear opportunities during a tense opening half. Gregor Kobel produced an excellent early save from Gustavo Puerta, while Camilo Vargas denied Fabian Rieder and Dan Ndoye at the opposite end.
Colombia became increasingly threatening after the interval. Luis Suárez dragged their clearest chance of normal time wide after winning possession near the Swiss penalty area, while Ndoye narrowly failed to create a late winner for Switzerland.
The best opportunity arrived during extra time when Jhon Lucumí rose to meet Juan Fernando Quintero’s corner, only to see his powerful header strike the crossbar. Kobel later denied Jaminton Campaz as neither side could find a breakthrough.
Juan Fernando Quintero and Granit Xhaka converted the opening penalties before Davinson Sánchez struck the crossbar. Zeki Amdouni and Campaz scored, while Manuel Akanji fired over.
Kobel then saved Cucho Hernández’s effort. Cédric Itten and Luis Díaz both converted before Rubén Vargas calmly scored the decisive penalty.
Switzerland progressed to face defending champions Argentina in the quarter-finals, while Colombia were eliminated after another painful shootout defeat.
Penalty shootout: Switzerland won 4–3
Switzerland: Xhaka (scored), Amdouni (scored), Akanji (missed), Itten (scored), Vargas (scored)
Colombia: Quintero (scored), Sánchez (missed), Campaz (scored), Hernández (saved), Díaz (scored)