Switzerland ends 88-year knockout drought, faces Colombia in World Cup last 16
Switzerland ended an 88-year wait for a World Cup knockout win by beating Algeria 2-0, and will now face Colombia in the round of 16 on Tuesday in Vancouver.
Switzerland's drought ends
Switzerland beat Algeria 2-0 in the round of 32, ending an 88-year wait for a World Cup knockout victory. The last such win came in 1938 against Germany. Captain Granit Xhaka admitted he was unaware of the statistic, saying he is "not a fan of statistics."
I didn't even know that, to be honest. I'm not a fan of statistics.
The Swiss will now face Colombia in Vancouver on July 7 at 22:00 CEST.
Colombia's path to the last 16
Colombia topped Group K ahead of Portugal, with wins over Uzbekistan and DR Congo and a draw against Portugal. They then defeated Ghana 1-0 in Kansas City to reach the round of 16 for the fourth time. Coach Nestor Lorenzo, a former Argentina international, said his team has learned to handle the responsibility of being considered a dark horse.
It's nice that some see us as co-favorites. But you have to show it on the pitch.
The Ghana match
The game in Kansas City drew 69,045 fans, mostly Colombian supporters. Jhon Arias scored the only goal in the 14th minute, finishing a cross from Luis Suárez, who had just replaced the injured Jhon Córdoba. Ghana also lost Marvin Senaya to injury early on and failed to register a shot on target. Ghana's coach Carlos Queiroz, who previously managed Colombia, saw his side exit along with seven other African teams; only Egypt and Morocco advanced to the last 16.
- Kick-off in Kansas City.
- Thomas Partey fires an early warning shot for Ghana.
- Jhon Córdoba injured, replaced by Luis Suárez.
- Marvin Senaya injured, replaced by Alidu Seidu.
- Jhon Arias scores from Suárez cross, 1-0 Colombia.
- Half-time; James Rodríguez substituted.
- Full-time; Colombia wins 1-0, advances to face Switzerland.
Key players
Colombia's attack is led by Bayern Munich winger Luis Díaz and captain James Rodríguez, the 2014 World Cup top scorer who earned his 130th cap against Ghana. Rodríguez was substituted at half-time. Switzerland will rely on the experience of Xhaka and a disciplined defensive unit that kept a clean sheet against Algeria.
What's next
The winner of Switzerland-Colombia will advance to the quarter-finals. Colombia's best World Cup finish was the quarter-finals in 2014, while Switzerland's best remains the quarter-finals in 1954. Both teams are aiming to match or surpass that mark.
