Switzerland are back in the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in 70 years after beating Colombia 4-3 on penalties on Saturday night. The result ended a long run of frustration for Switzerland, who had previously fallen at the last-16 stage three times at the World Cup.
The winning kick came from Ruben Vargas, who sent Camilo Vargas the wrong way to seal the shootout and send Switzerland through. It was a composed finish to a tense game and a big moment for a team that had not reached the quarter-finals since 1954.
The victory also carried extra weight because Switzerland had already been through plenty of recent knockout disappointment. One of those three previous last-16 exits came against Argentina in 2014, a reminder of how often the team had come close without getting over the line.
What the result means
For Switzerland, this was more than just a penalty shootout win. It was a breakthrough that ended a 70-year wait for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals. The run through Mexico City, Vancouver, Miami and Kansas City made the achievement feel even more significant, with each step leading to a historic finish.
Next up, Switzerland will face Argentina in Kansas City on Saturday night. After finally clearing the last-16 hurdle, they now get a chance to build on a result that could define their tournament.
