Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Switzerland held their nerve with a 4-3 penalty shoot-out success over hapless Colombia and face World Cup holders Argentina in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
Ruben Vargas shrugged off his pre-match injury doubt to deliver the painful spot-kick of 120 minutes of goalless knockout football, in which neither side could impose themselves, requiring the brutality of a shoot-out to eventually reveal a winner.
The period of extra time at least showed a little more excitement, with John Lucum crashing a header against the crossbar and Jaminton Campage inexplicably fluffing the best opening of the match, which was probably justly decided by the lottery of a kick from 12 yards.
Colombia’s Gustavo Puerta and Switzerland’s Remo Freuler fight for the ball.
Colombia’s Davinson Sanchez missed the first penalty but Manuel Akanji tried to ski over the crossbar and pulled him back. Cucho Hernandez was then denied by a great save from Gregor Kobel, allowing Vargas to seal the deal later on.
The result felt harsh for a Colombian side whose gameplan was far more adventurous and expansive than their more conservative European counterparts in front of a partisan Canada crowd, but in the end they lacked a finisher and paid a brutal price.
Colombia was devastated by losing to Switzerland in a penalty shootout
The Swiss persevered in the end to win – their first World Cup shoot-out victory – a first quarter-final appearance since the tournament returned all the way back in 1954. Tears flowed from Columbia’s eyes. Their immense commitment never got its fair share.
Highlights from Vancouver
21: Shot! Gustavo Puerta’s long-range effort was pushed to safety by Kobel.
30: Chance! Fabian Reider’s strike explodes straight at Camilo Vargas.
52: A raider’s effort from a free-kick curls around the wall but flashes into the side-netting.
99: Crossbar! Jon Lukumi’s free header from a corner hit the woodwork.
116: Huge opportunity! Granit Xhaka got hold of the ball and broke into the box through Colombia Campz, who ballooned wide.
120: Penalty! Sanchez missed for Colombia and Akanji fired the kick over the bar. Kobel denied Kucho Hernandez. Vargas buries the decider.
How do the steady Swiss approach Argentina?
Switzerland’s Granit Xhaka reacts after beating Colombia on penalties
Sky Sports’ Laura Hunter:
Switzerland’s campaign is less about high-profile stars and more about grit and consistency. It got them this far, so it’s hard to argue.
But you wonder how on earth they are going toe-to-toe with the class of Argentina in three days. They have the heart of a lion, the right spirit, but the lack of elite quality will definitely be a limiting factor.
Talented midfielder Johan Manzambi missed their last 16 tie entirely and star man Vargas played a minor role – albeit converting a critical fifth penalty – and will need both to have any realistic chance of beating the holders.
The Swiss are at least comfortable in possession and have proven their organizational structure works without the ball, but this will be different. More intensity against better players. Granit Xhaka often commands a central third but cannot single-handedly tie Lionel Messi.
It will be interesting to see how their views change from here. Luck will strike again to stand any chance.
