Switzerland held on to win a tough and cagey tournament with a 4-3 penalty shootout victory over hapless Colombia and set up a quarter-final meeting with World Cup holders Argentina on Saturday.
Ruben Vargas shook off his pre-match injury doubts to award the decisive point-kick after 120 agonizing minutes of goalless football, in which neither team was able to commit, needing a brutal shootout to finally emerge a winner.
Extra time at least provided a little more excitement, when Jhon Lucum headed over the crossbar and Jaminton Campaz inexplicably opened the game, which might have been rightly decided by a lottery kick from 12 yards.
Colombia’s Davinson Sanchez was the first to miss his penalty but Manuel Akanji’s skid over the crossbar. Cucho Hernandez was then denied by a great save from Gregor Kobel, allowing Vargas to seal the deal.
The result felt harsh on the Colombian side, whose game plan was much better and more expansive than their more conservative European counterparts in front of a packed crowd in Canada, but they ended up lacking a finisher, and paid a heavy price.
Colombia was left devastated by losing on penalties against Switzerland
The Swiss’ persistence paid off in the end – their first World Cup final victory – and their first appearance in the quarter-finals since hosting the tournament in 1954. Tears fell from Colombia. Their great promise did not receive its due reward.
Highlights from Vancouver
21: SHOT! Gustavo Puerta’s long-range effort is pushed to safety by Kobel.
30: OPPORTUNITY! Fabian Reider’s strike went straight to Camilo Vargas.
52: Reider’s effort from the free-kick is curled over the wall but flashes into the side netting.
99: CROSS! Jhon Lucumi’s free header from a corner was planted against the woodwork.
116: HUGE OPPORTUNITY! Granit Xhaka is caught on the ball and Colombia break into the box through Campaz, who clears the ball.
120: PUNISHMENTS! Sanchez misses for Colombia and Akanji blasts the kick over the bar. Cucho Hernandez is denied by Kobel. Vargas buries the referee.
How does a strong Switzerland approach Argentina?
Switzerland’s Granit Xhaka reacts after beating Colombia in the penalty shootout
Sky Sports’ Laura Hunter:
Switzerland’s campaign was less about high-profile stars and more about consistency and consistency. They have reached this, so it is difficult to argue.
But you have to wonder how in the world they walked with the Argentinian class in three days. They have the hearts of lions, the right spirit, but the lack of top quality will be the limiting factor.
Talented midfielder Johan Manzambi missed the last 16 tie altogether and star player Vargas played a minor role – however he converted a crucial fifth penalty – and both will be needed to beat the hosts.
The Swiss are at least comfortable in management and have proven that their organizational structure works off the ball, but this will be different. More tension against better players. Granit Xhaka is often in command of the central third but he will not be able to tie down Lionel Messi on his own.
How their approach changes from here will be interesting. Luck will need to strike again to stand any chance.
