Gregor Kobel became Switzerland’s standout figure in Vancouver as his decisive penalty save helped his side edge past Colombia and move into the World Cup quarter finals.
After a tense goalless contest at BC Place, the match was settled from the spot, with Switzerland winning the shootout 4 to 3. Kobel produced the key moment when he denied Cucho Hernandez, pushing away the Colombian forward’s effort after both teams had already suffered misses.
Davinson Sanchez had earlier struck the underside of the crossbar for Colombia, while Manuel Akanji sent his attempt over for Switzerland. However, Murat Yakin’s team recovered their composure. Granit Xhaka and Zeki Amdouni converted earlier efforts before Cedric Itten and Ruben Vargas completed the job, with Vargas scoring the decisive kick.
The result sends Switzerland into the World Cup quarter finals for the first time since 1954. They will now face defending champions Argentina at Kansas City Stadium on Sunday, 12 July at 02:00 BST.
The 120 minutes before penalties offered limited clear chances. Colombia came closest when Jhon Lucumi’s header hit the bar, while substitute Jaminton Campaz forced Kobel into an awkward stop in extra time. Campaz later had a golden chance to win it, but curled his effort over after a Swiss defensive mistake.
For Colombia, the defeat will feel especially painful. They leave the tournament having conceded only one goal, yet their lack of a reliable finisher proved costly. Despite Luis Diaz and James Rodriguez, who made his record 131st appearance for Colombia, trying to influence play, the South Americans struggled to turn possession into goals.
Switzerland also had to progress without injured forward Johan Manzambi, who has produced three goals and two assists in the tournament. With Vargas back from the bench and confidence rising, they now prepare for their biggest test yet against Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
