VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — In a game with few fireworks, the Swiss held their own against the Colombians and their rabid fans.
After a goalless draw, Ruben Vargas converted the decisive penalty and Switzerland won. world cup They defeated Colombia 4-3 on penalties in the quarterfinals on Tuesday.
Switzerland will play defending champion Argentina on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Argentina beat Egypt 3-2 earlier in the day.
Switzerland had never reached the quarterfinals of a World Cup since the World Cup was held in 1954. And on Tuesday, Switzerland was short on players due to a lack of young players. Midfielder Johan Manzambiwas injured during training on Monday.
Vargas, who scored two goals at the World Cup, also left practice early on Monday, but appeared in stoppage time after regulation ended.
In the penalty shootout, Colombian defender Davinson Sanchez’s penalty shot hit the crossbar, and Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Cobel’s shot was saved by Cucho Hernández.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino was among those who gathered at BC Place, with the vast majority of the sold-out crowd of 52,497 wearing yellow to support Colombia.
“It was a tough game for us because they had the crowd on their side,” Korbel said. “I know there were times during the game where we had to play defense and stay mentally strong. We were obviously missing some guys, so yeah, that was a big challenge for us.”
Colombia missed out on their final World Cup appearance in 2022. Los Cafeteros reached the quarterfinals of the 2014 Brazil tournament, defeating Uruguay in the round of 16, but lost to the hosts 2-1.
“The dream was very big,” Colombian midfielder John Arias said. “This country has shown us that it believes in us and is with us every moment. I think that only makes the pain even greater.”
Switzerland has advanced to the last 16 in the past three World Cups, but with only 32 participating teams, they were unable to advance.
“We’ve been working hard and now we have this chance,” Switzerland coach Murat Yakin said. “From our point of view, this is going to be a very interesting matchup. We’re going to play the reigning champions and it’s going to be great. Switzerland versus Argentina in the quarter-finals. We’re very excited. I think we probably need a few more hours or another day to process what just happened. Then tomorrow we’ll start focusing on Argentina.”
The match was a close battle between two teams with contrasting styles: Switzerland, who took a more organized and methodical approach, and Colombia, who were more attack-oriented and physical. Switzerland had a slight advantage in possession.
Manzambi, a 20-year-old midfielder from Freiburg in Germany, scored three goals at the World Cup and was one of the breakout stars of the tournament. The Swiss squad was also without Luka Jacques and midfielder Michel Aebischer.
Colombia had their first good chance in the 21st minute when Gustavo Puerta fired in a shot from distance, but Cobel forced it home.
Switzerland had the best chance in the 30th when Fabian Ryder fired a shot past goalkeeper Camilo Vargas. Vargas pushed the ball. A few minutes later, Vargas blocked another attempt by Dan Ndoye.
Switzerland won a free kick in the 52nd minute, but Ryder’s shot went around the wall and into the side netting.
At the start of extra time, as Colombia put pressure on Kobel, John Lukumi’s header hit the crossbar and was sent off.
“I don’t think it’s possible to overstate how big of a success this is for us, for this team, for Switzerland and for such a small country. To be in the top eight teams in the world is incredible,” said Korbel. “It’s an incredible feeling. I’m so proud.”
Colombia and Switzerland also met in the group stage of the 1994 World Cup in the United States, with Los Cafeteros winning 2-0.
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