Switzerland 0 Colombia 0 (4-3 pens): Swiss come through World Cup snoozefest on penalties to set up Argentina clash

SWITZERLAND won on penalties to set up a Kansas City quarter-final against the holders. Argentina’s Lionel Messi-inspired 3-2 comeback win over Egypt hours earlier was jam-packed with high drama but this was the complete opposite. But after 120 goalless minutes, Ruben Vargas clinched it 4-3 in the shootout. Both teams were without their No9s as the curtain came down on Canada’s World Cup co-hosting debut. Newcastle transfer target Johan Manzambi, 20, had three goals and two assists in Switzerland’s first four games at this World Cup but missed out with a knee injury. Jhon Cordoba went off early in the Ghana win and was replaced by Luis Suarez, who started in Vancouver in Colombia’s only change. READ MORE ON WORLD CUP That meant James Rodriguez made a record-breaking 131st Colombian appearance despite being hooked at half-time on Friday. It was in the last 16 in 2014 that he scored THAT goal, while Switzerland were aiming to get to the quarters for the first time since hosting the 1954 tournament. After a drab start, Gustavo Puerta nearly exploded the game into life with the first flash of excitement on 21 minutes. His curling effort was bound for the top corner until Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel flung himself across to push away well. Most read in Football WORLD CUP 2026 FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS World Cup 2026 - all the info The knockout stages of the World Cup are hotting up as we head towards the business end of the tournament. England believe football might finally be coming home after 60 years of hurt, with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham on fire. But the likes of France, Spain and Argentina are all serious contenders to go all the way. Heavyweights Germany, Netherlands, Brazil and Portugal have all been knocked out. LATEST NEWS - Egypt striker and manager launch staggering attack on referee - BBC will NOT cover World Cup quarter-finals in USA - Messi breaks down in tears as Argentina shatter Egyptian hearts - Roy Keane goes full Harry Kane with Man Utd legend’s voice going - Jordan Henderson health update after freak injury - How England’s ‘screen team’ can stop Erling Haaland KEY INFO - World Cup 2026 full match schedule including kick-off times - World Cup 2026 full squads - World Cup 2026 rule changes - World Cup 2026 prize money VIDEO - Proper Football Daily: Get all the expert analysis each morning - Team Talk – Tactics Exposed: Dive into the tactical talking points TIPS AND BETTING If you click a link in this article, we will earn affiliate revenue. CLICK ON PIC FOR STAR’S PROFILE Nine minutes later at the other end, Camilo Vargas reacted sharply to deny Fabian Rieder before the Colombian stopper got down fast and held Dan Ndoye’s low angled shot. But after that flurry of three half-chances, the game resumed at its tame, tepid temperature until the break. Half-time sub Djibril Sow slipped as he shot two minutes into the slightly-better second half after good work from Ndoye. Granit Xhaka planted studs on Daniel Munoz’s foot. Munoz hurt. Xhaka booked. Rieder whipped a free-kick into the side netting as Switzerland pressed for the breakthrough. Kobel saved easily from Diaz then watched Suarez slice harmlessly wide. Rodriguez was withdrawn, unable to repeat his heroics 12 years on. Ultimately, extra-time was inevitable as two very even teams with rock-solid defences cancelled each other out. There, the match finally got going. Two minutes in, Miro Muheim clumsily caught Jaminton Campaz late but the referee and VAR said no penalty, sparking Colombian fury. Fury then frustration. Jhon Lucumu thundered a header against the bar and Kobel beat away Campaz’s dipping knuckleball strike from range as Colombia turned the screw. Then Vargas saved brilliantly from Swiss sub Zeki Amdouni, all in an uncharacteristically frantic first 15 minutes. In the second, lively Juan Quintero and Xhaka both shot over. Munoz picked dithering Xhaka’s pocket. Campaz should have capitalised but blazed and it went to penalties. Somehow there were handbags during the shootout as Yerry Mina clashed with Xhaka and Manuel Akanji ahead of the first Swiss effort, scored by the Sunderland midfielder. Then ex-Prem defenders Davinson Sanchez and Akanji both went too high. Sanchez thumped the bar and it bounced off the line, Akanji couldn’t keep it down. But Kobel’s super save from Cucho Hernandez restored the Swiss advantage and Vargas scored past the other Vargas to win it.