Ruben Vargas scored the decisive penalty, securing Switzerland's advancement to the World Cup quarterfinals with a 4-3 shootout victory over Colombia on Tuesday. The win marks Switzerland's first appearance in the quarterfinals since hosting the tournament in 1954.
Switzerland is set to face defending champions Argentina in the quarterfinals on Saturday in Kansas City, Missouri. Argentina advanced earlier in the day by defeating Egypt 3-2.
Despite playing without injured midfielder Johan Manzambi, who was sidelined after a training injury on Monday, Switzerland held Colombia to a scoreless draw through regulation and extra time. Vargas, who had left Monday's training early but was available off the bench, entered the match in stoppage time at the end of regulation.
Colombia's Davinson Sanchez hit the crossbar on his penalty attempt, and goalkeeper Gregor Kobel saved Cucho Hernandez's shot, sealing the victory for the Swiss.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino was in attendance at BC Place, where a sellout crowd predominantly supported Colombia. Colombia had failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup but reached the quarterfinals in 2014, where they lost to host Brazil. The Swiss had reached the round of 16 in the past three World Cups but were unable to advance further.
The match featured contrasting styles, with Switzerland employing a more organized approach against Colombia's attacking focus. Switzerland held a slight advantage in possession. Manzambi, a 20-year-old midfielder for German club Freiburg, had been a breakout star for Switzerland with three goals in the tournament. The team was also without Luca Jaquez and midfielder Michel Aebischer.
Colombia had an early chance in the 21st minute when Gustavo Puerta's long-range shot was saved by Kobel. Switzerland responded in the 30th minute with a shot from Fabian Reider that was punched down by Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas. Vargas later smothered another attempt from Dan Ndoye.
In the first period of extra time, Jhon Lucumi's header struck the crossbar as Colombia pressed for a goal. The two nations previously met in the group stage of the 1994 World Cup, with Colombia winning 2-0.