Switzerland edges Colombia on penalties to reach World Cup quarter-final since 1954

ByKehinde-Hassan Afolabi

Switzerland advanced to the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in 72 years after defeating Colombia 4-3 in a tense penalty shootout following a goalless draw in Vancouver.

Switzerland secured a historic World Cup quarter-final berth by defeating Colombia 4-3 on penalties following a grueling 0-0 draw at Vancouver’s BC Place.

Despite losing tournament breakout star Johan Manzambi to a pre-match knee injury, the disciplined Swiss defense withstood intense Colombian pressure. High drama peaked during extra time when Colombia’s Jhon Lucumí rattled the crossbar with a powerful header.

The exhausting knockout match was ultimately decided from the penalty spot. After Colombia’s Davinson Sánchez hit the woodwork and Manuel Akanji blazed over, Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel made a spectacular diving save against Cucho Hernández.

Winger Rubén Vargas then calmly stepped up to convert the winning spot-kick, breaking a 72-year hoodoo and booking a last-eight showdown against Argentina.

Kehinde-Hassan Afolabi is a football journalist whose deep tactical understanding of the game makes him a standout, captivating audiences across print, audio, and video. His poetic background brings a unique rhythm and depth to his work, seamlessly transforming analysis into artistry. With a knack for narration and research, he captures the drama of the game beyond tactics and statistics, making each piece of his; a compelling blend of insight and storytelling.

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