The Swiss national team qualified for the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup by eliminating Colombia on penalties (0-0, 4-3 on penalties). After a tightly contested match, the Swiss secured their place in a blockbuster clash against Lionel Messi's Argentina.

The Redemption of Ruben Vargas

Five years ago, at Euro 2021, Ruben Vargas left the pitch in tears after missing the crucial penalty against Spain. Tonight, on the Vancouver pitch, history repeated itself, but the ending proved much happier.

Designated as the fifth penalty taker against Colombia, Vargas stepped up to the spot to end an interminable round of 16 match. After 120 minutes of suffocating tension, his successful penalty kick propelled Switzerland to the next round, erasing the ghosts of the past in one fell swoop.

A high-flying tactical duel

Billed as the most unpredictable Round of 16 match of this World Cup, the Switzerland-Colombia game lived up to its promise of suspense, even if it lacked goals. Just hours after the attacking extravaganza between Egypt and Argentina (2-3), Vancouver's BC Place witnessed a truly epic chess match.

The Colombians lit the first fuses:

1. 21st minute: Gustavo Puerta unleashes a powerful shot from the edge of the box. Gregor Kobel makes a magnificent save to deny him.
2. 30th minute: The Swiss response is immediate. Fabian Rieder weaves his way into the box and sends in a powerful shot, well saved by the Colombian goalkeeper, Vargas.

After the break, the pace intensified. Rieder narrowly missed the target with a pinpoint free kick (53rd minute), while Dan Ndoye tormented the opposing defense. The Swiss striker even went down in the box after a challenge, but Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton deemed the contact too slight to award a penalty.

Kobel and the crossbar save the Nati

Late in the game, the introduction of Colombian forwards Quintero and Campaz forced the Swiss defense back. In an increasingly dramatic atmosphere, the two teams went into extra time, where Colombia narrowly missed a knockout blow.

1. 99th minute: From a corner, Jhon Lucumí's header crashes against the crossbar, leaving Kobel helpless.
2. 101st minute: Jaminton Campaz tries his luck from distance, but Kobel makes another save.
3. 116th minute: Campaz misses the target from close range after a gift from the Swiss defence.

The penalty shootout lottery

The fate of the match was finally sealed during the penalty shootout:

1. Colombian player Sánchez hits the crossbar.
2. Swiss player Manuel Akanji misses the break by shooting over the bar.
3. The turning point: Gregor Kobel masterfully repels Cucho Hernández's attempt.

The Dortmund goalkeeper donned the mantle of hero, sharing the spotlight with Ruben Vargas, the liberator of the entire Swiss nation. Next stop: Argentina.