Switzerland advanced to the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1954 by beating Colombia 4-3 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in 120 minutes on July 7 at Vancouver's BC Place Stadium [1, 2, 3]. The match was scoreless through normal and extra time despite several close chances, including a header from Colombia’s Jhon Lucumi that hit the crossbar [1, 2, 3]. Colombia entered the match with one of the stingiest defenses in the tournament, having conceded only one goal prior [4, 5, 3].
Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel made crucial saves in the shootout, including stopping Colombia’s Cucho Hernandez. Kobel called reaching the quarter-finals "a huge achievement" for Switzerland, a relatively small football nation [1, 2, 6, 3, 7]. Ruben Vargas scored the winning penalty for Switzerland and said, "I had to believe in myself. I felt very safe and very secure. It was amazing I could score the decisive penalty" [1, 2, 6, 3, 7].
Swiss coach Murat Yakin praised his late substitutions, saying, "It was difficult in the beginning but we stayed in it and showed great mentality. Then I brought on the right players at the right moment" [6, 8]. Forward Johan Manzambi, a tournament breakout star with 3 goals and 2 assists, missed the match due to a knee injury suffered in training the day before [1, 2, 8, 5]. Vargas noted Manzambi’s impact, "I think we all saw what he's capable of with his age... we are really happy to have him in our team" [9].
Colombia aimed for only their second quarter-final appearance, having previously reached it in 2014 [2, 3]. Swiss midfielder Ardon Jashari acknowledged Colombia's style: "They will play emotional football, but also very intensive and straightforward. We have to be prepared for that" [4].
Switzerland will face defending champions Argentina in the quarter-finals on July 11 in Kansas City [1, 2, 6, 7, 10].
