Colombia’s World Cup ends as Switzerland advances on penalties

Colombia’s World Cup dream came to an end at the hands of the Swiss. Néstor Lorenzo’s side was eliminated in the Round of 16 after losing 4-3 in a penalty shootout to Switzerland following a 0-0 draw through regulation and extra time at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada.

A tightly contested first half in Vancouver

The match began at a high tempo, with both teams looking to impose themselves but neither able to establish control. Clear scoring opportunities were scarce in the opening stages. Colombia pressed high to disrupt Switzerland’s buildup, while the Europeans patiently circulated the ball in search of openings.

As the half progressed, Colombia began to dominate possession with long passing sequences, something that had become a hallmark of its World Cup campaign. That control led to the first major chance of the match when Luis Díaz found Gustavo Puerta on the edge of the box. Puerta curled a well-placed effort toward goal, but goalkeeper Gregor Kobel produced a superb diving save to push the ball behind for a corner.

Switzerland improved after the hydration break and nearly opened the scoring in the 30th minute. After a poor clearance, the ball fell to Fabian Rieder inside the penalty area. His low shot was saved by Camilo Vargas, who spilled the rebound before Johan Mojica cleared the danger. Two minutes later, Dan Ndoye tested Vargas again, but the Colombian goalkeeper was equal to the task.

Colombia struggles after halftime

Switzerland came out much stronger in the second half, repeatedly attacking down the left flank. The Europeans almost found the breakthrough when a low cross reached Djibril Sow alone in front of goal, but he failed to make clean contact. In the 52nd minute, Fabian Rieder threatened again with a free kick that struck the outside of the net.

Colombia struggled to regain control after the restart. La Tricolor lost its grip on possession, its passing became less precise, and fatigue began to show as the team frequently became stretched. Even so, Lorenzo’s players continued to push forward whenever possible, though with less intensity. Luis Javier Suárez wasted a clear chance, sending his shot wide from close range.

Lorenzo responded by introducing Juan Fernando Quintero and Jaminton Campaz in place of Jhon Arias and James Rodríguez, who tied David Ospina’s record for the most appearances in Colombia national team history. Richard Ríos and Juan Camilo “Cucho” Hernández also came on as the game remained evenly balanced with few clear-cut opportunities.

Colombia continued to struggle to keep possession, and the substitutions failed to change the momentum. In the closing minutes of regulation, Switzerland increased the pressure, with Djibril Sow sending another effort just wide. Colombia managed to hold on and force extra time.

The best chances come in extra time

The pace slowed considerably during extra time as both teams battled fatigue, but Colombia came closest to breaking the deadlock. Juan Fernando Quintero delivered a corner from the left, and Jhon Lucumí’s powerful header crashed against the post. Minutes later, Jaminton Campaz tried his luck from long range, but Kobel tipped the effort behind for another corner.

With two minutes remaining in the first period of extra time, Switzerland nearly scored. Zeki Amdouni found space inside the penalty area, but Camilo Vargas made another excellent save to keep the match level. In the 115th minute, Campaz missed another golden opportunity, firing over the crossbar from an excellent position.

Switzerland advances on penalties

Switzerland booked its place in the World Cup quarterfinals by defeating Colombia 4-3 in the penalty shootout. Granit Xhaka, Zeki Amdouni, Cedric Itten, and Ruben Vargas converted their spot kicks for the Swiss. For Colombia, Davinson Sánchez hit the post, while Gregor Kobel saved Juan Camilo “Cucho” Hernández’s attempt. Juan Fernando Quintero, Jaminton Campaz, and Luis Díaz all converted their penalties.

Switzerland will now face Argentina, which defeated Egypt 3-2, in the quarterfinals at Kansas City Stadium. The match is scheduled for Saturday, July 11.

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.