Switzerland enter first World Cup quarterfinal since 1954

VANCOUVER, July 8: Switzerland held their nerve in a dramatic penalty shootout to beat Colombia 4-3 after a goalless draw following extra time and reach the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since hosting the tournament in 1954.

After 120 minutes failed to separate the two sides at BC Place, goalkeeper Gregor Kobel emerged as Switzerland's hero, saving Cristian Hern ndez's penalty before Ruben Vargas calmly slotted home the winning spot-kick to seal a 4-3 shootout victory.

The result set up a mouth-watering quarterfinal clash for Switzerland against Argentina in Kansas City.

Despite the final scoreline, Colombia were the more adventurous side and created the better chances, particularly during extra time. Defender Jhon Lucum  came closest to breaking the deadlock when his effort struck the crossbar, while Jhon Arias Campaz squandered a glorious opportunity in the 116th minute after being played through on goal, blasting his shot over the bar with only Kobel to beat.

Switzerland, marshalled by captain Granit Xhaka and defender Manuel Akanji, defended resolutely but struggled to create meaningful openings, with Colombia enjoying the greater share of dangerous attacks.

The match eventually went to penalties, where Juan Fernando Quintero converted Colombia's opening kick before Xhaka responded for Switzerland.

Colombia's hopes suffered a major blow when Davinson S nchez smashed his penalty against the crossbar. Zeki Amdouni and Campaz then exchanged successful spot-kicks to leave the shootout level.

Switzerland looked set to take control, but Akanji blazed his penalty over the bar, handing Colombia a lifeline. However, Kobel produced the decisive moment by diving to his right to save Hern ndez's effort. Cedric Itten converted Switzerland's next penalty before Luis D az kept Colombia alive with a composed finish.

With the scores locked at 3-3 in the shootout, Vargas stepped up and coolly fired into the bottom corner to send Switzerland through to the last eight.

The defeat marked another painful World Cup exit on penalties for Colombia, who were also eliminated in a shootout by England in the Round of 16 of the 2018 tournament.

Switzerland, meanwhile, celebrated one of the biggest victories in their World Cup history as they advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time in 72 years, where they will face Argentina for a place in the semifinals.

(UNI)