- Switzerland showed remarkable resilience despite missing Johan Manzambi.
- Colombia came very close when Jhon Lucumi powered a header against the crossbar.
- Jaminton Campaz then wasted the best opportunity of the night.
Switzerland kept their FIFA World Cup 2026 dream alive after holding their nerve in a dramatic penalty shootout against Colombia to secure a place in the quarter-finals. After 120 minutes of intense but goalless football, Murat Yakin's men prevailed 4-3 on penalties, with Ruben Vargas converting the decisive spot-kick to set up a blockbuster last-eight clash against Lionel Messi's Argentina.
Colombia dominated large spells of the contest at BC Place, Vancouver, but failed to find the breakthrough. At the same time, Switzerland showed remarkable resilience despite missing one of their standout performers, Johan Manzambi, through injury.
The South Americans looked the better side from the opening whistle, controlling possession and forcing Switzerland onto the back foot. However, despite their dominance, Colombia struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against a disciplined Swiss defence.
Colombia's Missed Chances
Their best chance of the opening period arrived when Gustavo Puerta unleashed a curling effort from outside the area, only for Gregor Kobel to produce an outstanding acrobatic save to keep the scores level.
Switzerland’s counterattacks were not sharp before the break, clearly feeling the absence of Manzambi, whose pace and creativity had been vital throughout the tournament.
The second half was no different, with Colombia continuing to push but lacking the finishing touch. Luis Suarez had a golden opportunity midway through the half but dragged his effort well wide with the goal at his mercy.
At the other end, Fabian Rieder finally tested Camilo Vargas with a powerful left-footed volley, although the Colombian goalkeeper dealt with it comfortably.
With neither side able to break the deadlock, the match headed into extra time where the drama finally arrived.
Colombia came very close when Jhon Lucumi powered a header against the crossbar, while Switzerland responded through substitute Zeki Amdouni, whose effort forced an excellent save from Vargas.
Ruben Vargas said, "I don't think I've fully realized it yet. I thank God for this moment. I wasn't even sure if I would be able to play. We gave it a try, and I'm grateful I could help the team. The team worked incredibly hard and fought for more than 120 minutes. It wasn't easy to play football here today. And now we've made history. It simply feels amazing."
Penalty Shootout Drama
Jaminton Campaz then wasted the best opportunity of the night, powering his shot over the bar from close range when it appeared easier to score.
After 120 exhausting minutes, penalties were needed to separate the two teams.
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The shootout swung in Switzerland's favour when Davinson Sanchez smashed his penalty against the underside of the crossbar before Gregor Kobel brilliantly denied Cucho Hernandez. Ruben Vargas stepped up and calmly converted the winning penalty to lift the Swiss players and supporters into wild celebrations.