Image: from TRT World Now X @TRTWorldNow
By Open Chronicle
Switzerland secured a dramatic place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Colombia 4,3 on penalties following a tense 0,0 draw after 120 minutes. The victory sends the Swiss into the last eight for the first time in 72 years, where they will face defending champions Argentina.
With both teams aware that Argentina awaited the winner, the match was dominated by caution, physical battles, and nervous moments rather than attacking football. Possession frequently changed hands through misplaced passes and tactical fouls, with clear scoring opportunities proving hard to come by.
Colombia produced the first real chance midway through the opening half when Kevin Puerta struck from the edge of the area, forcing Gregor Kobel into an excellent save. Switzerland responded soon afterward through Fabian Rieder, whose dangerous delivery found Rubén Vargas, but Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas reacted brilliantly to deny what looked like the opening goal.
The scoreless first half reflected the balance of play, with neither side able to consistently threaten inside the penalty area.
Switzerland returned from the break with greater authority and nearly broke the deadlock when Djibril Sow found himself in space, only to fire wide from a promising position. Colombia gradually regained control, but both defenses remained disciplined as the match drifted toward extra time.
The additional 30 minutes produced the best moments of the contest. Colombia came agonizingly close when defender Davinson Sánchez rose highest from a corner and powered a header against the crossbar. Moments later, Kobel was again called into action, making another excellent save to deny Jhon Campaz from long range.
Campaz would then suffer the most painful moment of the evening. Deep into extra time, he found himself with a golden opportunity to send Colombia into the quarter-finals, but lifted his effort well over the crossbar with only the goalkeeper to beat.
After two hours without a goal, the match was decided from the penalty spot.
Switzerland remained composed throughout the shootout, converting four of their penalties before Sevilla forward Rubén Vargas calmly scored the decisive kick to seal a historic 4,3 victory.
The triumph sends Switzerland into the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1954, allowing the Swiss national team to challenge reigning world champions Argentina for a place in the semi-finals.
For Colombia, the defeat ends an impressive tournament in a heartbreaking way, with the missed opportunity in extra time and the penalty shootout proving decisive after an evenly contested encounter.
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