Gregor Kobel emerged as Switzerland’s penalty shootout hero as his stunning save from Colombia’s Cucho Hernández earned the Swiss a 4-3 shootout win after a goalless 120 minutes at BC Place, Vancouver. The victory sends Murat Yakin’s side into a World Cup quarter-final against Argentina in Kansas City on Sunday, 12 July at 02:00 BST.
Both teams struggled to create clear-cut chances across 90 minutes and extra time, but Switzerland held firm defensively and showed composure in the shootout. Kobel’s decisive stop, plus successful penalties from Granit Xhaka, Zeki Amdouni, Cédric Itten and Rubén Vargas, sealed a memorable win Switzerland’s first run to the last eight since 1954.
Tight tactical battle in harsh conditions
Under the roof in sweltering Vancouver, chances were scarce as both sides sought a breakthrough. Colombia’s set-piece threat nearly paid off when Jhon Lucumí headed against the bar, and substitute Jaminton Campaz tested Kobel with a long-range effort in extra time. Colombia then squandered a late opening when Campaz curled over after a defensive lapse.
Shootout drama and key moments
- Early misses: Centre-backs from both sides missed their spot-kicks, leaving the shootout finely balanced.
- Kobel’s heroics: Kobel pushed Cucho Hernández’s penalty away, his save proving decisive.
- Switzerland’s composure: Xhaka and Amdouni converted earlier, while Vargas who had been on the bench calmly slotted the winning penalty.
What Colombia and Switzerland take away
Colombia depart having conceded only one goal in the tournament but lacking a clinical finisher; they converted just five goals from 94 shots in the World Cup. Switzerland, boosted by defensive solidity and timely contributions from the bench, have now won two knockout matches at a World Cup for the first time and face a daunting test against reigning champions Argentina.
