Switzerland edge Colombia on penalties to book World Cup quarterfinal berth

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP): Switzerland kept their composure against Colombia and a loud home-crowd atmosphere in a low-scoring contest. The sides finished regulation without a goal, then Ruben Vargas struck the winning spot-kick as the Swiss prevailed 4-3 from the penalty shootout and moved into the World Cup last eight yesterday.

Their next assignment is defending champions Argentina on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Argentina had earlier seen off Egypt 3-2.

It is Switzerland’s first appearance in a World Cup quarterfinal since the country staged the finals in 1954. They were also without young midfielder Johan Manzambi, who picked up an injury in Monday’s training session. Vargas, already on two goals at this World Cup, cut short that same session but was introduced in stoppage time at the close of regular play.

From the spot, Colombia defender Davinson Sánchez struck the crossbar, and Switzerland goalkeeper Gregor Kobel denied Cucho Hernández.

“They had the crowd on their side, so it was a tough game for us,” Kobel said. “We know we had some stretches of the game where we had to defend and stay strong mentally. Obviously we had a few players missing so, yeah, it was a big challenge for us.”

Colombia missed the 2022 World Cup entirely. At Brazil 2014, Los Cafeteros reached the last eight after eliminating Uruguay in the round of 16, then fell 2-1 to the host nation.

Switzerland had made the last 16 at each of the previous three World Cups but could not go further when the tournament field stood at 32 teams.

“We worked very hard, and now we have this opportunity,” Switzerland coach Murat Yakin said. “This is going to be a very interesting matchup from our point of view. We will try to compete against the reigning champions and it’s going to be amazing. Switzerland against Argentina in a quarterfinal. I am so excited. I think that I need maybe a couple of hours more or another day to process what just happened, and then tomorrow we will start focusing on Argentina.”

The encounter was closely fought between sides with different identities: Switzerland favoured structure and patience, while Colombia pressed forward with greater physical intensity. Possession tilted slightly toward the Swiss.

Colombia’s first clear opening came in the 21st minute when Gustavo Puerta fired from range and Kobel turned the effort aside. Switzerland’s best early look arrived around the half-hour mark as Fabian Reider drove a shot at Camilo Vargas, who punched it clear. Shortly afterward, the Colombia keeper gathered another effort from Dan Ndoye.