Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel emerged as Switzerland’s hero after making a decisive penalty save to secure a 4-3 shootout victory over Colombia following a goalless draw, sending the Swiss into the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1954.
Kobel denied Colombia forward Cucho Hernandez in the shootout after both sides had exchanged misses, sealing Switzerland’s place in the last eight, where they will face defending champions Argentina at Kansas City Stadium on Sunday.
The shootout began with Colombia defender Davinson Sanchez hitting the underside of the crossbar, but Switzerland immediately gave the advantage away when Manuel Akanji fired over the bar. Kobel then produced the match-winning save by keeping out Hernandez’s penalty before Cedric Itten and Ruben Vargas converted their spot-kicks alongside Granit Xhaka and Zeki Amdouni to complete a 4-3 shootout victory.
The Round of 16 clash offered few clear-cut chances over 120 minutes, with both teams unable to find a breakthrough.
Colombia came closest in normal time when Jhon Lucumi’s header from a corner struck the crossbar. Substitute Jaminton Campaz later tested Kobel with a powerful long-range effort in extra time.
Campaz also missed Colombia’s best chance to avoid penalties, curling his shot over the bar after a defensive error from Xhaka.
