Switzerland end 72-Year World Cup curse, dump Colombia out on penalties

Switzerland are through to the World Cup quarter-finals after dumping Colombia out in a dramatic penalty shootout.

The Swiss won 4-3 on penalties after a tense 0-0 draw that lasted 120 minutes, with goalkeeper Gregor Kobel emerging as the hero of the night.

Colombia had looked the more dangerous side for long spells, with Luis Díaz, James Rodríguez and Gustavo Puerta all causing problems for the Swiss defence.

Puerta came close in the first half with a powerful strike from the edge of the box, but Kobel produced a brilliant save to keep Switzerland alive.

Luis Díaz also forced another important stop from the Swiss goalkeeper after the break as Colombia pushed for the breakthrough.

Switzerland had chances of their own, with Fabian Rieder, Dan Ndoye and Breel Embolo all testing Camilo Vargas, but the Colombian goalkeeper also stood firm.

Extra time brought even more drama.

Jhon Lucumí came close to winning it for Colombia when his header crashed against the crossbar, while Jaminton Campaz and Juan Quintero also wasted promising openings.

At the other end, Granit Xhaka and Zeki Amdouni threatened for Switzerland, but neither side could find the goal that would settle the contest.

Then came the shootout.

Xhaka, Amdouni, Cedric Itten and Ruben Vargas all scored for Switzerland, while Manuel Akanji blasted his effort over the bar.

For Colombia, Juan Quintero, Jaminton Campaz and Luis Díaz converted, but Davinson Sánchez hit the crossbar before Kobel saved Cucho Hernández’s penalty.

That miss opened the door for Switzerland, and Vargas kept his nerve to send the Swiss into the quarter-finals.

The victory ends Switzerland’s long wait for a World Cup quarter-final appearance and sets up a huge clash with defending champions Argentina.

For Colombia, it was a painful exit after a brave performance and several missed chances.

For Switzerland, it was history, courage and cold nerves from the penalty spot.