Switzerland Outlasts Colombia in Penalty Thriller, Reaches First Quarterfinal Since 1954
Switzerland is into the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in over 70 years after outlasting Colombia 4-3 on penalties following a goalless 120 minutes in Vancouver, in a match that swung on fine margins at both ends.
Colombia had the better underlying chances, finishing extra time with a superior expected-goals mark and 15 total shots to Switzerland's 7, though only 3 found the target compared to Switzerland's 2. Jhon Lucumí rattled the crossbar with a header in extra time, and Jáminton Campaz fired over an open net after a rare defensive miscue from Granit Xhaka — two moments that, on another night, end the match in regulation. Switzerland, missing breakout star Johan Manzambi to injury, leaned on a disciplined defensive shape and 53% possession to grind through to penalties.
The shootout swung on nerve as much as placement. Colombia's Davinson Sánchez smashed his attempt against the crossbar, and Cucho Hernández had his effort saved by goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, opening the door for Rubén Vargas — who had trained through injury concerns of his own — to step up and slot home the winner. It's Colombia's second straight World Cup exit on penalties, having also lost to England on spot kicks in the 2018 round of 16.
Key Moments
- ETJhon Lucumí's header rattles the crossbar for Colombia.
- ETJáminton Campaz fires over an open net after a Xhaka error.
- 120'Full time: Switzerland 0–0 Colombia after extra time.
- PensSánchez hits the crossbar, Hernández saved by Kobel — Rubén Vargas seals it 4-3 for Switzerland.
By the Numbers
Colombia finished with 15 shots to Switzerland's 7, though only 3 found the target compared to Switzerland's 2 — the extra-time chances from Lucumí and Campaz suggested Colombia's performance deserved more than a penalty shootout defeat. Switzerland held 53% possession and did it without Johan Manzambi, their injured breakout midfielder. It's Colombia's second straight World Cup exit on penalties, having also lost to England on spot kicks in the 2018 round of 16.
What's Next
Switzerland now awaits defending champion Argentina in the quarterfinals on Saturday, July 11 in Kansas City — the Swiss side's first appearance in the final eight since they hosted the tournament in 1954.