Switzerland defeated Colombia in a penalty shootout in Vancouver on Tuesday to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup. They go on to face title holders Argentina, who survived an almighty scare against Egypt earlier in the day.
Switzerland will now face Argentina in the last eight after prevailing 4-3 on penalties against the Colombians after the match finished 0-0 after extra time.
The Swiss had not reached the quarter-finals of a World Cup since hosting the tournament in 1954. And they were shorthanded Tuesday without breakout star Johan Manzambi, who was injured in training on Monday.
It’s been a long one, through the three co-host countries, from the Azteca to Vancouver.
Their players are of course shattered.
And the tournament has lost some of its most loyal and fervent fans.
Luis Diaz in tears after the penalty shootout. Credit: Albert Gea, Reuters
Switzerland reach their first quarter-final since 1954
And that’s that!
The two teams cancelled each other out for 120 minutes, in the last World Cup match to be played outside the United States.
Both missed spot-kicks before Switzerland goalkeeper Gregor Kobel brilliantly saved Cucho Hernandez’s effort and Ruben Vargas scored the decisive penalty.
Here’s how that final penalty was greeted in a Swiss fan zone, where our reporter Emily Boyle followed the match.
Vargas wins it for the Swiss!! Colombia 3-4 Switzerland!
The sub scores the winning penalty, wrongfooting the Colombian keeper.
It’ll be Switzerland-Argentina in the quarter-finals!
Díaz scores! Colombia 3-3 Switzerland
Itten scores! Colombia 2-3 Switzerland
Switzerland a goal away from victory.
Kobel saves! Colombia 2-2 Switzerland
Hernandez’s shot was good enough, but the save was better!
Akanji misses! Colombia 2-2 Switzerland
It flies over the crossbar!
Campaz scores! Colombia 2-2 Switzerland
Slotted under the keeper’s belly, so close!
Amdouni scores! Colombia 1-2 Switzerland
Calmly slotted in the right corner with the keeper flying the other way.
Sanchez hits the crossbar! Colombia 1-1 Switzerland
It bounces back on the line before going out.
Xhaka scores! Colombia 1-1 Switzerland
Vargas got a hand to it but the strike was too powerful. We’re level.
Quintero scores! Colombia 1-0 Switzerland
Colombia go first and score straight down the middle.
Ghosts of 2018 exit for Colombia
Colombia exited the 2018 World Cup at this stage in a shootout against England.
Can they fare any better against Switzerland, who hardly have a better record on penalties?
Penalties!
We’ll have our shootout.
Mina replaces Lucumi
Lucumi goes down injured and is replaced by Yerry Mina, who famously scored a last-gasp equaliser against England in 2018.
Campaz squanders a golden chance!
My word, a misunderstanding between Swiss defenders sends Campaz clear on goal but he somehow misses the target completely.
Sums up the match, really.
And another
Xhaka does the same at the other end, this time from inside the area.
Woeful shot
Quintero attempts a poor shot from outside the box but it’s miles over.
Back to scrappy football
It’s all a bit messy again with the teams visibly tiring.
