Switzerland (4) 0-0 (3) Colombia
Switzerland reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in more than seven decades after beating Colombia 4-3 on penalties following a tense goalless draw in Vancouver.
Ruben Vargas converted the decisive spot-kick after Colombia’s Davinson Sanchez and Cucho Hernandez both failed from the penalty spot, sending the European side through to a last-eight meeting with Argentina.
This was a highly controlled, tactical contest that struggled to produce clear chances across 120 minutes, two disciplined teams cancelling each other out, neither side willing to overcommit.
Colombia had some really good chances. Midway through the opening half, Jefferson Lerma won possession high up the pitch and passed to Gustavo Puerta, who curled a shot that seemed destined for the top corner, but Gregor Kobel rose to tip the effort away. Luis Suarez then capitalised on a misplaced Swiss pass but could only lift the ball well over the crossbar with only Kobel to beat.
Switzerland responded with Fabian Rieder denied by goalkeeper Camilo Vargas after Daniel Munoz’s attempted clearance ricocheted kindly into his path, and moments later, Vargas was called into action again to keep out Dan Ndoye. Djibril Sow, coming on as a substitute, almost made an instant impact but failed to keep his effort down after connecting with Ndoye’s cross.
Extra time arrived with both teams evenly matches and Jhon Lucumi came within inches of putting Colombia ahead with a header from Juan Quintero’s corner, but his effort pinged the crossbar. Jaminton Campaz then tested Kobel with a fierce strike from distance, while at the opposite end substitute Zeki Amdouni forced Vargas into another important save after pouncing on a loose ball inside the area.
The best opportunity of the game fell to Campaz four minutes from the end of extra time, but the winger fired over the bar from close range with the Swiss defence exposed and only the goalkeeper to beat.
The match ultimately proceeded to penalties and after Colombia had missed twice and Manuel Akanji blazed over for Switzerland, Vargas put his side through.
