Switzerland secured the final spot in the World Cup quarterfinals by eliminating Colombia on penalties last night in Vancouver. After 120 goalless minutes, the Nati prevailed 4-3 in the shootout, at the end of a tight, tense, and long-undecided round of 16 match.
Ruben Vargas converted Switzerland's last attempt and sent his team to the quarter-finals, where they will face Argentina.
Vargas finishes the job
The penalty shootout begins with intense pressure on both teams. James Rodriguez Quintero scores for Colombia, Granit Xhaka responds for Switzerland. Meschack Amdouni then gives the Nati the lead after Davinson Sanchez misses his penalty.
Switzerland could have extended their lead, but Manuel Akanji missed his attempt. Campaz leveled the score for Colombia. Cedric Itten then scored for Switzerland, before C. Hernandez's shot was saved by Gregor Kobel. Luis Díaz kept Colombia in the game, but Ruben Vargas remained composed. He took his run-up, struck the ball accurately, and sealed the victory.
Switzerland wins 4-3 on penalties. Colombia is eliminated in the round of 16.
Kobel decisive in the most crucial moment
Gregor Kobel was named man of the match. The Swiss goalkeeper played a crucial role in the decisive shootout, notably saving Hernandez's attempt. His save gave Switzerland enough of a cushion to secure qualification with the final penalty.
Before that fateful penalty, the match had already devolved into a war of attrition. Little space, few opportunities to break through, and a great deal of caution. Colombia pressed forward in bursts, spurred on by a stadium firmly on their side. Switzerland held firm, retreating at times, but without breaking.
Colombia misses its chance in the 115th
Colombia's biggest scare came at the end of extra time. In the 115th minute, Campaz found himself in a shooting position, but his opportunity went over the bar.
Colombia had the means to force a decision before penalties, but they failed to convert their periods of dominance.
Switzerland reaches the quarterfinals for the first time since 1954
This qualification is historic for Switzerland. The Nati will play in a World Cup quarter-final for the first time since 1954, the year they reached this stage of the competition on home soil. The next match will be on a completely different level: Argentina, the reigning world champions, in the early hours of Sunday morning at 3:00 AM.
