Switzerland Advance After Penalty Shootout Drama
Switzerland knocked out Colombia on penalties to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1954. The match ended 0-0 after extra time, with Ruben Vargas scoring the decisive penalty to secure a 4-3 shootout victory.
Davinson Sánchez and Cucho Hernández missed their penalties for Colombia, sending the Colombian team to the grass in anguish as Switzerland celebrated in front of their supporters. Switzerland will face Lionel Messi and Argentina in Kansas City on Saturday (2am BST).
Yakin: 'This is a Dream'
“I think I need another couple of hours or days to process what just happened,” said Switzerland manager Murat Yakin. “This is a dream.” Yakin repeatedly claimed the match had gone exactly to plan, describing it as a tactical, tight contest.
Colombia manager Néstor Lorenzo acknowledged his team's missed opportunities: “We were aware that this was going to be a tactical, tight match. Of course, we should have scored a goal.”
Colombia Dominate but Fail to Score
Colombia had numerous chances but failed to convert. Jaminton Campaz fired over the bar from 10 yards in the 116th minute, while Jhon Lucumí's header hit the crossbar in extra time. Switzerland goalkeeper Gregor Kobel made key saves, including a flying stop to deny Gustavo Puerta in the first half.
Switzerland missed their leading scorer Johan Manzambi, who sustained a knee injury in training. Yakin said the team had made all tactical preparations with Manzambi in mind, and his absence scuppered those plans.
Atmosphere at BC Place
The match was played at BC Place in Vancouver, with the roof closed on a warm day. The crowd of 52,497 was overwhelmingly in support of Colombia, with fans singing throughout and jeering when Switzerland had possession.
Colombia's counterattacking paid dividends early, with Jefferson Lerma setting up Puerta for a curling effort that Kobel saved. Switzerland had their own chances, with Fabian Rieder and Dan Ndoye forcing saves from Camilo Vargas.
Extra Time and Penalties
Colombia took control in extra time, but Campaz's miss and Sánchez's penalty off the crossbar proved costly. Kobel saved Hernández's penalty low to his right, securing a historic result for Switzerland.
“He is a powerhouse,” Yakin said of Kobel. “He is arguably one of the best goalkeepers [in the world]. He doesn’t take on too many risks and he really finds himself in the match. We are so happy he was able to help us out.”
Lorenzo defended his players: “They’re amazing players, there’s nothing to reproach. Sometimes you score, sometimes you don’t.”
