Switzerland reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in 72 years after Gregor Kobel’s crucial penalty shootout save helped Murat Yakin’s side defeat Colombia in a tense last-16 battle in Vancouver.
After 120 goalless minutes at BC Place, the Swiss goalkeeper became the decisive figure by denying Cucho Hernandez from the spot. Cedric Itten and Ruben Vargas then converted their penalties to complete a 4-3 shootout victory and secure Switzerland’s first appearance in the last eight since 1954.
The shootout had already produced drama before Kobel’s intervention. Colombia defender Davinson Sanchez hit the underside of the crossbar, but Manuel Akanji failed to take advantage as the former Manchester City centre-back sent his own effort over.
Earlier, Granit Xhaka and Zeki Amdouni had scored their penalties before Vargas, who had only been fit enough for a substitute role, delivered the winning kick.
The match itself was a tight and cautious contest, with both teams struggling to create clear opportunities. Colombia came closest during normal time when Jhon Lucumi’s header struck the crossbar, while substitute Jaminton Campaz forced an awkward save from Kobel in extra time.
Campaz later had Colombia’s best chance to win the game after a mistake from Xhaka but curled his effort over the bar, a miss that proved costly as the South American side suffered another painful World Cup penalty exit following their defeat to England in 2018.
Colombia leave the tournament having conceded just one goal. They finished above Portugal in their group and eliminated Ghana in the previous round, but despite strong support inside the stadium they lacked the attacking edge needed to break Switzerland down.
Luis Diaz and James Rodriguez, who became Colombia’s all-time appearance leader with 131 caps, tried to inspire their side, but the team finished the competition with only five goals from 94 attempts.
For Switzerland, the victory marks another milestone after their last-32 win over Algeria. They have now won multiple knockout matches at a single World Cup for the first time.
The achievement was even more impressive without Johan Manzambi, one of the tournament’s breakout performers, who missed the game through injury after contributing three goals and two assists.
Switzerland will now face defending champions Argentina in Kansas City, where they will attempt to stop Lionel Messi’s side from moving closer to back-to-back World Cup titles. Yakin will hope both Manzambi and Vargas can return to full fitness before the quarter-final.