Shafaqna Pakistan: Switzerland booked their first World Cup quarter-final appearance since 1954 after defeating Colombia 4-3 in a penalty shootout following a goalless 120 minutes, setting up a last-eight clash with defending champions Argentina.
The shootout turned in Switzerland’s favour when goalkeeper Gregor Kobel saved Cucho Hernández’s penalty after Colombia’s Davinson Sánchez had struck the crossbar. Although Switzerland’s Manuel Akanji also missed by firing over the bar, Ruben Vargas calmly converted the decisive spot-kick into the bottom corner.
“It is very difficult for me to realise what we achieved today,” Vargas said after sealing Switzerland’s historic victory.
“I’m grateful for this moment. It was an amazing match for me. For 120 minutes we gave it all on the pitch. We faced a strong opponent, but now we made history… It was amazing that I could score the decisive penalty.”
It was heartbreak for Colombia, who were bidding to reach the quarter-finals for only the second time in their history, having previously done so at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
The best opportunity of the first half arrived in the 21st minute when Colombia midfielder Gustavo Puerta curled a shot towards the far corner from around 18 yards, forcing Kobel into a superb diving save to his left.
Switzerland responded moments later, but Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas was equal to Fabian Rieder’s effort from a tight angle.
Swiss winger Dan Ndoye nearly snatched a winner in the 91st minute, making a clever run before dragging a low shot across goal just wide of the far post.
In extra time, Colombia centre-back Jhon Lucumi came within inches of breaking the deadlock, rising unmarked to meet a corner only to see his header crash against the crossbar. The near miss sparked a frenetic spell as both sides pushed forward in search of a winner.
Colombia entered the game in Vancouver, the last to be hosted by Canada at the tournament, boasting one of the tournament’s stingiest defences, having conceded just once in their previous matches.
The Swiss were dealt a major setback before kick-off when 20-year-old attacker Johan Manzambi, their breakout star of the tournament with three goals and two assists, was ruled out after suffering a knee injury in training.
source: Geo News
