Ruben Vargas scored the decisive penalty as Switzerland held their nerve in a tense encounter. Switzerland beats Colombia 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw at BC Place in Vancouver on Tuesday. The Round of 16 clash produced dramatic tension that extended through extra time and into the penalty shootout. Therefore, Switzerland earned their passage to the quarterfinals.

Switzerland will play Argentina in the quarterfinals on Saturday in Kansas City. Argentina recently edged Egypt 3-2 in a dramatic match. The Egyptians led 2-0 until the 78th minute when Argentina began their comeback. So Switzerland faces formidable opposition in the next stage.

Davinson Sanchez missed a penalty for Colombia in their second attempt early in the shootout. Additionally, Manuel Akanji missed Switzerland’s third shot, sending his effort over the bar. Therefore, the shootout remained level as both teams faltered. However, when Juan Hernandez went for power to his left, Gregor Kobel denied him. Consequently, Switzerland restored their advantage.

Vargas took the deciding penalty; he needed to score to win the match. The midfielder calmly tucked his effort into the bottom-left corner past Camilo Vargas. Therefore, Switzerland beats Colombia decisively in the final moment. Switzerland played their last World Cup quarterfinal in 1954. Meanwhile, Colombia reached the last eight in 2014. Colombia had only ever faced one World Cup penalty shootout before this encounter. They lost to England in 2018 on penalties.

Gregor Kobel made three saves in regulation and extra time. The goalkeeper stood firm as Colombia piled on pressure during the 30-minute extra period. Colombia had an 8-1 advantage in shots during extra time. So Colombia created multiple opportunities but failed to convert them.

Colombia nearly scored in the 99th minute when Jhon Lucumi’s header struck the top of the crossbar. The ball bounced away rather than into the net. Furthermore, Jaminton Campaz put a shot on goal from distance in the 101st minute. However, Kobel saved the effort. Additionally, Switzerland had a rare chance just past the 90-minute mark. Dan Ndoye’s shot slid untouched across the 6-yard box.

Colombia’s best chance came early in the match. Gustavo Puerta’s effort toward the top right corner in the 21st minute forced a diving save from Kobel. Switzerland also created a scoring chance in the 30th minute when Fabien Rieder’s shot went to Camilo Vargas. He made the save. Therefore, both keepers performed excellently throughout the match. Finally, Switzerland beats Colombia through superior penalty execution after a tightly contested regulation match.