Switzerland beats Colombia on penalties to reach first World Cup quarterfinal since 1954
A 4-3 penalty shootout win over Colombia after a goalless 120 minutes sends Switzerland into the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in 72 years. Lionel Messi's Argentina awaits in Kansas City.
Switzerland ended a 72-year wait for a World Cup quarterfinal appearance, defeating Colombia 4-3 on penalties after a tense 0-0 draw in Vancouver. The victory sets up a clash with defending champions Argentina and their talisman Lionel Messi, who has scored eight goals in the tournament so far.
Penalty drama at BC Place
After 120 minutes of attritional football, the match was decided from the spot. Colombia's Davinson Sanchez struck the crossbar with his attempt, and Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel saved Cucho Hernandez's fourth penalty. Manuel Akanji missed for Switzerland, but Ruben Vargas stepped up as the fifth taker and converted decisively, sparking wild celebrations.
I still haven't fully realised it. I didn't even know today if I could play, and we tried everything. In hindsight I'm just grateful and happy that I could help the team. They worked and fought for over 120 minutes. Now we've made history, and it's just awesome!
- Gustavo Puerta's curling shot saved by Gregor Kobel
- Granit Xhaka slams water bottle, then rallies teammates
- Djibril Sow introduced; Switzerland gain more control
- Jhon Lucumi heads against the crossbar for Colombia
- Zeki Amdouni misses a chance for Switzerland
- Jaminton Campaz fails to capitalise on Xhaka error
- Davinson Sanchez hits bar; Manuel Akanji misses; Kobel saves from Hernandez; Ruben Vargas scores winner
Xhaka's rallying cry
Captain Granit Xhaka showed his leadership early. Frustrated after a slow start, he slammed a water bottle to the ground during a first-half hydration break and then gathered his teammates for an animated speech. The effect was immediate: Switzerland produced their best spell of the half, with Fabian Rieder and Dan Ndoye both going close.
Today it took an incredible fight, plus cleverness and patience. Finally we were able to break the penalty shootout curse. I'm extremely happy for everyone — the players, the staff and the fans at home. The emotions are incredible.
Historic breakthrough
Switzerland had not reached a World Cup quarterfinal since hosting the tournament in 1954. The team had previously fallen at the last-16 stage on multiple occasions, including a 1-0 extra-time loss to Argentina in 2014. This time, a squad described before the tournament as perhaps the best Swiss generation ever delivered the long-awaited result.
Everyone knows we can write history and cause a sensation in Switzerland. Everyone is cheering us on and we want to give something back.
Argentina awaits
The quarterfinal will be played in Kansas City, Missouri, in the early hours of Sunday 12 July (03:00 CEST). Argentina, the defending champions, have laboured through their knockout ties, needing extra time to beat Cape Verde 3-2 and coming from 0-2 down to defeat Egypt 3-2. Messi, however, is in scintillating form with eight goals already.
The road ahead
Should Switzerland pull off another upset, the path to the final is mapped out: a semifinal in Atlanta on 15 July, a third-place match in Miami on 18 July, and the final in New York City on 19 July.
- Quarterfinal vs Argentina in Kansas City
- Semifinal in Atlanta (if qualified)
- Third-place match in Miami (if qualified)
- Final in New York City (if qualified)
