Switzerland advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 1954 on Tuesday, beating Colombia 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a scoreless draw at BC Place in Vancouver. The Associated Press reported that Ruben Vargas converted the decisive penalty to send Switzerland through after 120 minutes without a goal.
The Swiss had not reached this stage of the tournament since they hosted the World Cup 72 years ago. The result also made this Switzerland’s fourth World Cup quarterfinal appearance overall, ending a long run of exits before the last eight. Reuters noted that Switzerland had gone out in the round of 16 in 2006, 2014, 2018 and 2022.
The match was made harder by the absence of Johan Manzambi, who was injured in training the day before the game. Reuters described the 20-year-old as one of Switzerland’s breakout players of the tournament, with three goals and two assists before being ruled out by a knee injury.
Colombia had chances to win the match before penalties. Gustavo Puerta forced Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel into a diving save in the 21st minute, while Colombia defender Jhon Lucumi later struck the crossbar with a header in extra time. ESPN also reported that Jáminton Campaz had a major extra-time chance after a Granit Xhaka mistake but sent his effort over the bar.
Switzerland had opportunities of its own. Fabian Rieder tested Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas from a tight angle, and Dan Ndoye nearly found a late winner in the 91st minute when he pulled a low shot just wide of the far post. But neither side could break through, sending the final round-of-16 match to penalties.
The shootout turned when Davinson Sanchez hit the crossbar for Colombia and Kobel later saved Cucho Hernández’s attempt. Manuel Akanji also missed for Switzerland, but Vargas stepped up for the final Swiss penalty and put it away to complete the 4-3 shootout win. FOX Sports listed the final as 0-0 after extra time, with Switzerland winning 4-3 on penalties.
The atmosphere in Vancouver heavily favored Colombia. Reuters reported that Colombian supporters greatly outnumbered Swiss fans at BC Place, turning the stadium into what felt like a home setting for the South American side. Colombia had been trying to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for only the second time, after its run to the last eight in 2014.
Instead, Switzerland’s discipline and Kobel’s late heroics carried the night. The Swiss survived Colombia’s pressure, absorbed the loss of Manzambi, and finally moved beyond the round-of-16 barrier that had stopped them in several recent World Cups.
Switzerland will next face defending champion Argentina on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Argentina defeated Egypt 3-2 earlier Tuesday, leaving Lionel Messi’s team as Switzerland’s next obstacle in the quarterfinals.