NEWS
On Penalties! Switzerland Reaches Quarter-Finals for First Time Since 1954
After a dull football match, the Swiss show better nerves from the penalty spot. Now they face the defending champions.
The last Round of 16 match of the FIFA World Cup offers unexciting football, but a decision from the penalty spot.
After 120 goalless minutes, Switzerland wins the duel with Colombia 4-3 in a penalty shootout. It is the first time the "Nati" has reached the quarter-finals since 1954.
In the quarter-finals, they will now face Argentina.
Good Chances in the First Half
The game starts sluggishly. Most of the time, the ball stays in midfield, there are many duels, and goalscoring opportunities are scarce.
Colombia has the best chance: Puerta tries a shot from the edge of the box, but Dortmund goalkeeper Kobel distinguishes himself with a great save (22').
Around ten minutes later, Switzerland gets their first goalscoring opportunity. With a bit of luck, Fabian Rieder suddenly appears in front of Colombia goalkeeper Vargas. However, the shot is too central and is saved (31').
Uneventful Match Remains Exciting Until the End
The second half also offers few attacking actions. There are more fouls than shots on goal, more yellow cards than goalscoring opportunities.
It is therefore no surprise that it is 0-0 after 90 minutes. It goes into extra time.
In the first half of extra time, Colombia initially takes control and Lucumi has their first chance in ages. However, the South American's shot hits the crossbar; Kobel would probably have been there too (99').
Little happens after that, and it goes to a penalty shootout. Sanchez hits the crossbar with Colombia's second penalty, but Akanji also sends a shot over the bar for Switzerland.
The decisive moment comes when Kobel saves against Hernandez.
