Switzerland booked their place in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 1954 after defeating Colombia 4-3 in a penalty shootout following a hard-fought goalless draw.
Ruben Vargas calmly converted the decisive spot-kick to seal a historic victory and send Switzerland into the last eight, where they will face the defending champions, Argentina.
“I didn’t even know if I would be able to play. I’m just grateful that I could help the team. I felt very confident before the penalty. The fact that I was able to convert the decisive attempt is just awesome,” Vargas said after the match.
Switzerland entered the contest without breakout star Johan Manzambi, who was ruled out with a knee injury shortly before kick-off. His absence was evident in a cagey first half, with Colombia controlling possession but struggling to create clear-cut chances.
Colombia came closest through Gustavo Puerta, whose curling effort from outside the box was brilliantly tipped away by goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
Opportunities remained scarce after the break. Luis Suárez squandered Colombia’s best opening by dragging his effort wide, while Switzerland’s only notable chance in normal time saw Fabian Rieder test goalkeeper Camilo Vargas with a well-struck volley.
The match finally opened up in extra time. Jhon Lucumí struck the crossbar with a powerful header, substitute Zeki Amdouni forced another save from Vargas, and Jaminton Campaz blazed over from a promising position.
With neither side able to find a breakthrough, the contest went to penalties. Colombia faltered when Davinson Sánchez hit the underside of the crossbar and Jhon Jáder Durán Hernández was denied by Kobel, allowing Ruben Vargas to convert the winning penalty and send Switzerland into a historic quarterfinal.