Switzerland have reached the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in 72 years after outclassing Colombia 4-3 on penalties following a tense goalless draw through 120 minutes in Vancouver.

Neither side could find a breakthrough in normal or extra time, with Colombia arguably shading the chances.

Gustavo Puerta forced a fine diving save from goalkeeper Gregor Kobel in the first half, while Fabian Rieder tested Camilo Vargas at the other end moments later. In extra time, Colombia’s Jhon Lucumi came agonisingly close to a winner, crashing a header against the crossbar, before Jaminton Campaz blazed over from close range with only the goalkeeper to beat.

The match went to a shootout, where Switzerland held their nerve despite missing Manuel Akanji and having Davinson Sanchez smash a penalty against the bar for Colombia.

The decisive moment came when Kobel guessed correctly to save Cucho Hernandez’s spot kick, teeing up Ruben Vargas who wasn’t even fit to start the game to stroll up and calmly slot home the winning penalty.

It marks the first time Switzerland have won back-to-back knockout matches at a single World Cup, and their deepest run since they hosted the tournament in 1954. For Colombia, it is a second straight World Cup exit on penalties, having also fallen to England in the last 16 in 2018, extending their long wait to reach the quarterfinals for only the second time in their history.

Switzerland will now face Lionel Messi’s Argentina, who fought back from two goals down to beat Egypt 3-2 earlier on Tuesday, in Kansas City this coming Saturday.

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