Switzerland beats Colombia on penalties to reach World Cup quarterfinals, Manzambi's tournament in doubt

Injury blow

Johan Manzambi, the 20-year-old Swiss forward who had scored three goals and provided two assists in the tournament, suffered a knee contusion during the final training session before the round of 16 match against Colombia. The Swiss football association confirmed his absence, along with Michel Aebischer and Luca Jaquez, both out with muscle problems. Manzambi arrived at the stadium with a bandaged knee and a Lego World Cup trophy, a team-building memento, but could only watch from the bench.

He brought a certain enthusiasm, a way of playing that was different from the others, very forward-oriented. Every touch was aimed at verticalizing the game.

Match without Manzambi

Coach Murat Yakin had to adjust his plans, starting Ardon Jashari in Manzambi's place. Jashari struggled and was substituted at halftime, but Switzerland remained defensively solid. The match went to penalties, where the Swiss prevailed to book a quarterfinal spot. Yakin later said the team had absorbed the loss collectively.

It was all worth it — the huge effort since qualification. Every player contributed. We were enormously mature. As a coach, you can't experience anything nicer.

Yakin's doubts

Speaking after the match, Yakin was pessimistic about Manzambi's chances of playing again in the tournament. "Further appearances? Rather not," he said, though the medical staff continues to treat the player. The coach praised the team's resilience and said the match plan had worked despite the late changes.

What's next

Switzerland now awaits its quarterfinal opponent, while Manzambi's recovery will be closely monitored. The team's depth will be tested again, with Fabian Rieder and Noah Okafor among the options to fill the attacking void.