Switzerland beat Colombia on penalties to set up Messi clash

Switzerland are through to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 1954 after beating Colombia 4-3 on penalties following a goalless 120 minutes at BC Place in Vancouver.

Rubén Vargas scored the winning penalty, sending Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas the wrong way to book a quarterfinal against Argentina in Kansas City on Saturday. Switzerland were without their breakout star Johan Manzambi, who had scored three goals and provided two assists before suffering a training injury on Monday.

The match itself was a dull affair. Colombia had the better of the chances – Luis Díaz forced Gregor Kobel into a fine save, Jhon Lucumí struck the crossbar with a header from close range in extra time, and Jáminton Campaz shot over from point-blank range moments later. Neither side could convert across 120 minutes.

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Granit Xhaka and Juan Quintero opened with composed conversions. Davinson Sánchez then struck the crossbar for Colombia, while Manuel Akanji blazed over for Switzerland. Zeki Amdouni and Campaz both scored. Cucho Hernández was then denied by Kobel, before Cedric Itten slotted home to put Switzerland ahead. Luis Díaz kept Colombia alive, leaving Rubén Vargas to step up and seal it.

It is Switzerland’s best World Cup result in 72 years. Colombia have now been eliminated on penalties in their past two World Cup appearances.