Switzerland beat Colombia on penalties to book quarter-final date with holders Argentina

Jason Pettirgrove

Switzerland will face Argentina in the quarter-finalsIMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Anne-Marie Sorvin

After what was a bruising encounter at times, Switzerland emerged victorious from the FIFA World Cup (WC) Round of 16 match against Colombia at BC Place, winning on penalties after a goalless draw to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since hosting in 1954.

Key stats

- Switzerland are undefeated in their last five games in the FIFA World Cup, their last joint longest unbeaten streak was from 13th June 2006 to 16th June 2010.

- Colombia are undefeated in their last eight games in the FIFA World Cup, their longest unbeaten streak in the competition (since at least 1965/1966).

- Colombia have kept a clean sheet in four of their five games, only Spain (five) have done this more often in the FIFA World Cup.

Highlights

Analysis

The lack of any real momentum either way tells the story of an underwhelming game of football.

Match report

Both sides began the match by playing some incisive and exciting football, though Colombia’s swift passing contrasted sharply with Switzerland’s more physical outlook.

An energetic James Rodríguez had a perfect foil in Luis Díaz, and yet much of the play was taking place in the central areas where Granit Xhaka’s inability to get into the game was down to the attention being paid to him by Jefferson Lerma.

Gregor Kobel’s flying save kept out Gustavo Puerta’s curling effort just before the first hydration break, before opposite number Camilo Vargas did similarly shortly after from Fabian Rieder’s vicious left-footed drive and Dan Ndoye’s low driven effort.

The game continued to swing from end to end with incredible regularity, yet with no real clear-cut opportunities, it remained goalless at the break.

HT substitute Djibril Sow slipped at the most inopportune moment as the Swiss attempted to break the deadlock at the start of the second half, and Rieder’s stunning free-kick effort had Puerta concerned, as a similar pattern to the first 45 minutes began to emerge.

The teams were equally matched as the hour approached, highlighted by the fact they’d had equal touches in the box and a practically even split of possession.

Díaz then managed another attempt on target, and that was the closest either team came to opening the scoring before another hydration stoppage. To both teams’ credit, they continued going for the win, but despite Ndoye's great run into the box, he pulled his shot wide as ET loomed.

Colombia felt aggrieved at not having been awarded an early penalty in ET, and Jhon Lucumí was unlucky to see his towering header come back off the crossbar. Zeki Amdouni then forced a save from Vargas at the other end, yet despite plenty of late attacking intent from both sides, no goals were scored.

Both Xhaka and Jaminton Campaz will wonder how they missed gilt-edged chances to win the game ahead of the penalty shoot-out. Davinson Sánchez handed the Swiss an early advantage after smashing his spot-kick against the bar, but that was wiped out when Manuel Akanji skied a wayward effort.

Gregor Kobel’s brilliant stop from Cucho Hernández immediately handed Switzerland the advantage again, allowing Rubén Vargas to dramatically send his side through.

The result means that the Swiss have reached the quarter-final stage for just the third time in their history, marching on to play comeback kings and reigning champions, Argentina.

Meanwhile, Colombia’s disappointing form this year against European countries (D1, L3) continues as they bow out in agonising circumstances.

Flashscore Man of the Match: Gregor Kobel (Switzerland)

World Cup 2026

The 2026 World Cup will be held from June 11th to July 19th in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The tournament will feature 48 national teams and will be played in 16 modern stadiums.