Ruben Vargas scored the decisive penalty as Switzerland reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup for the primary time in 72 years with a shootout win over Colombia.
Switzerland, lacking match talisman Johan Manzambi, have been lucky to not fall behind in a cagey contest in Vancouver, the place Colombia had the higher of the probabilities.
Not since they hosted the match in 1954 had Switzerland skilled the enjoyment of development to the final eight, however substitute Vargas settled a shootout that noticed Colombia fail twice from 12 yards, the South American facet shedding on penalties within the final 16 for the second time in as many match appearances. They suffered the identical destiny in opposition to England in 2018 earlier than failing to qualify for the 2022 finals.
Switzerland face defending champions Argentina in the last eight on Saturday. Murat Yakin’s males would be the clear underdogs for that tie however, after Argentina required a exceptional late comeback to see off Egypt earlier on Tuesday, Switzerland can at the least afford to harbour hope of an upset that may see them break new floor on the most important stage.
Switzerland deny Colombia to finish quarter-final wait
Gustavo Puerta went near breaking the impasse in spectacular vogue as his curling effort was saved out by Gregor Kobel, whose Colombia counterpart Camilo Vargas was then required to disclaim Fabian Rieder and Dan Ndoye with two saves in three minutes.
Possibilities dried up considerably within the second half of regular time, although Luis Suarez spurned a gilt-edged alternative to present Colombia the lead as he sliced horribly broad after dispossessing Granit Xhaka.
Additional time made for a barely extra pleasing spectacle as Colombia’s Jhon Lucumi headed in opposition to the crossbar earlier than substitute Jaminton Campaz practically caught Kobel off guard with a swerving long-range strike.
Zeki Amdouni then noticed a close-range effort repelled by Camilo Vargas and Xhaka curled over from the sting of the world, however the very best likelihood of additional time undoubtedly fell to Campaz, who by some means blazed excessive over the body of the aim with solely Kobel to beat after pouncing on a Switzerland defensive error.
That miss finally proved expensive as, after Colombia’s Davinson Sanchez and Switzerland’s Manuel Akanj each missed, a fantastic Kobel save from Cucho Hernandez gave Yakin’s facet a shootout benefit they didn’t cede, Ruben Vargas sustaining his composure to fit residence and seal a tie with Lionel Messi and Co.
World Cup 2026: Switzerland group vs Colombia
Manzambi was out for Switzerland with an damage sustained in coaching. Ruben Vargas moved to the bench, with Ardon Jashari and Fabian Rieder coming in.
Switzerland beginning XI: Gregor Kobel, Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez, Denis Zakaria, Remo Freuler, Granit Xhaka, Ardon Jashari, Fabian Rieder, Breel Embolo, Dan Ndoye
Switzerland substitutes: Yvon Mvogo, Marvin Keller, Miro Muheim, Silvan Widmer, Eray Comert, Aurele Amenda, Djibril Sow, Christian Fassnacht, Ruben Vargas, Noah Okafor, Zeki Amdouni, Cedric Itten
World Cup 2026: Colombia group vs Switzerland
Luis Suarez, who arrange Colombia’s winner in opposition to Ghana after approaching as an alternative, changed Jhon Cordoba as Nestor Lorenzo made one change.
Colombia beginning XI: Camilo Vargas, Daniel Munoz, Jhon Lucumi, Gustavo Puerta, Johan Mojica, Davinson Sanchez, James Rodriguez, Jhon Arias, Jefferson Lerma, Luis Diaz, Luis Suarez
Colombia substitutes: David Ospina, Alvaro Montero, Santiago Arias, Yerry Mina, Wiler Ditta, Deiver Machado, Kevin Castano, Richard Rios, Jorge Carrascal, Jilan Portilla, Juan Quintero, Jhon Cordoba, Cucho Hernandez, Jaminton Campaz, Andres Gomez
