Switzerland eliminates Colombia on penalties and faces Argentina in the quarterfinals

After the break, the Swiss side initially looked more focused in attack. Djibril Sow, who had come on for Jashari in the 48th minute, could have given Switzerland the lead after a pass from Vargas but was denied by the Colombian keeper. Shortly after, Rieder curled a 53rd-minute free kick from a promising position onto the outside of the net. At the other end, Kobel — who was one of the match's most prominent performers in this phase — stayed alert to a Colombian effort.

In the second half the two teams largely cancelled each other out. As in the opening 45 minutes, attacking moves often lacked the final precision or the necessary finishing touch. Bringing on fresh attacking options on both sides initially failed to change things. It took until the 90th minute and beyond before the tide looked set to turn. Two more saves by the keepers and a big chance for Colombia kept the tension high.

Kobel becomes the penalty hero

Extra time began in turbulent fashion. Xhaka (114th) and substitute Jaminton Campaz (115th) missed chances before the shootout. Davinson Sánchez also came close from a free kick in the 93rd minute but skewed his effort. In the 101st minute Kobel had to deal with a Campaz strike; at the other end Vargas denied Zeki Amdouni in the 104th. After 120 minutes it stood at 0–0 and the decision had to come from the spot.

In the shootout Kobel cemented his status as the hero. The order of the takers followed an alternating pattern of converted kicks and misses. Quintero scored for Colombia, Xhaka equalized for Switzerland, Davinson Sánchez hit the crossbar, Amdouni put Switzerland ahead, Campaz drew Colombia level again, Manuel Akanji blazed his attempt over the bar, and a Colombian taker was then denied by Kobel. Itten converted, the next Colombian missed, and Switzerland's historic achievement was complete.

Colombia's disappointing exit

The Swiss team, captained by Granit Xhaka, had qualified from the group stage for the round of 16. Earlier in the tournament the "Nati" had already eliminated co-host Canada 2–1 and Algeria 2–0 — both wins also coming in Canada. Another strong defensive display against Colombia confirmed that the Swiss are operating as a compact unit. That was also stressed by Murat Yakin after the match: Die Mannschaft habe den Plan über 120 Minuten konsequent umgesetzt.

There was great disappointment among the Colombians, even though the federation — known as the Cafeteros — had delivered a strong tournament showing. Veterans such as James Rodríguez, who had scored all three Colombian goals in the 2014 World Cup knockout stage in Brazil, were unable to make a decisive mark this time. Luis Díaz of FC Bayern Munich also had an unremarkable outing; his evening was over after 66 minutes.

A historic evening for Switzerland

For Colombia, it is the first time a potential World Cup triumph has been cut short so unexpectedly. The squad led by 66-year-old head coach Néstor Lorenzo had fought its way toward the dream of a first world championship in the jersey with the coffee-bean crest, but stumbled in the round of 16. The Colombian federation must therefore continue to wait for a second World Cup quarterfinal appearance after 2014.

The match in Vancouver was also the last of the tournament's 26 games played outside the United States. Canada and Mexico had taken their turns as co-hosting nations of the first World Cup staged in three countries. With the quarterfinal in Kansas City, the action shifts back to the United States, where the final will also be held.

In the parallel round-of-16 match, Argentina had beaten Egypt 3–2 in Atlanta on Tuesday after the South Americans overturned a 0–2 deficit. That sets up a Switzerland–Argentina clash on Sunday (3:00 a.m. CEST) in Kansas City. It is the first meeting of the two sides in a competitive match in a long time — and the toughest possible challenge for the Swiss.

Looking ahead to the quarterfinal against Argentina

One focus of the Argentina match, however, was a controversial incident: just before Argentina's 3–2 winner in stoppage time (90+2), Argentine player Alexis Mac Allister had pulled Egyptian Hamdi Fathi's shirt as the Egyptian entered the Argentine penalty area. The Egyptian federation subsequently voiced its displeasure: «Il a semblé que le côté argentin avait exercé une pression sur l'arbitre», it said from Egyptian quarters. «Da hat Argentinien sehr viel Glück gehabt.»

For Switzerland, the upcoming duel with Argentina offers the chance to end a historic drought. Should the team around captain Granit Xhaka also win the quarterfinal, it would be a first World Cup semifinal appearance in 72 years. Lionel Messi, who recently turned 39 and has already scored seven times in the tournament, leads the Argentine side. The Swiss go into the match as clear underdogs.

The quarterfinal takes place in the night from Saturday to Sunday in Kansas City. Kickoff is at 3:00 a.m. CEST. The Swiss side will be able to count on broad support in the United States from the diaspora, given the large community of Swiss heritage there. Should the "Nati" reach the semifinal, it would face the winner of the quarterfinal between England and Senegal.

The coming days will show whether the Swiss can carry the momentum from Vancouver forward. Yakin and his team have made history with the win over Colombia — the next stage could be even more spectacular.

Both Switzerland and Argentina meet again in a World Cup quarterfinal on Sunday for the first time in 72 years. The match promises to be a duel between two teams with differing strengths: Switzerland with defensive solidity and team spirit, Argentina with individual quality and experience.

By reaching the quarterfinal, Switzerland has ultimately justified its group-stage rivalry for top spot in its section. After wins over Canada and Algeria, the team had been regarded as a heavy underdog against the South American qualifying group winners. The performance in Vancouver shows that the "Nati" has now finally completed the step to the very top of world football.

Swiss fans can look forward to an exciting match in Kansas City. Should the team actually reach the semifinal, it would be a historic achievement for Swiss football. Murat Yakin's side has shown it can compete with the world's best — and the quarterfinal against Argentina will be the ultimate test.