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8 July 2026

In the contest between the World Cup’s surprise packages, it was Colombia who stumbled badly, while Switzerland advanced to their first quarter-final in 72 years.

The irony was that the goalless draw in Vancouver seemed to last almost as long before it inevitably ended in a penalty shoot-out that had looked likely since half-time.

Switzerland were the more relieved side to reach the shoot-out, understandable given the slow pace of the match and the injuries that blunted their attacking drive.

Having lost Newcastle United target Johan Manzambi and Ruben Vargas — arguably their two standout performers so far — to injuries in training, Murat Yakin’s men sensibly opted to play conservatively rather than risk overcommitting against one of the tournament’s most miserly defences.

Colombia’s lack of attacking sharpness was not for want of trying. Nestor Lorenzo’s side once again pushed to dominate the game but paid the price for their inability to convert possession into goals, despite their characteristic defensive solidity.

They bow out without having conceded a goal in 420 minutes — since the hour mark of their 3-1 win over Uzbekistan. However, after that opening victory, Colombia managed to score only twice in four matches, despite averaging an expected goals (xG) of 2.0 per game.

Switzerland reduced that figure to just 1.03, a number slightly inflated by a few late openings in extra time as the Swiss tired and Colombia’s substitutes injected a touch more urgency.

Yet, their finishing simply was not up to the standard of a quarter-finalist. Only Belgium have taken more shots than Colombia’s 94, but 20 other teams have scored more goals. Colombia, then, were truly the dark horses who couldn’t find the net.

Jaminton Campaz missed their best chance deep into extra time when a fatigued Granit Xhaka lost possession, but the substitute failed to test the keeper. Luis Suarez, who had earlier dispossessed Xhaka around the hour mark, also squandered his attempt. The Sporting Lisbon forward, who scored 38 goals last season, blamed a non-existent bobble for his poor strike.

Switzerland offered even less offensively — and by design. With Manzambi in a knee brace and Vargas fit only for a brief cameo, Yakin’s Plan A was simply not to lose. That conservative strategy paid off when Vargas calmly converted the decisive penalty to seal Switzerland’s place in the last eight for the first time since 1954.

Now, Switzerland have four days to assess Manzambi’s condition. It remains uncertain whether the 20-year-old will recover in time for the quarter-final against defending champions Argentina, but without his energetic forward runs to support Breel Embolo, his absence could prove costly — even though Argentina’s centre-backs have been described as the “worst, best pairing” in world football.

With Lionel Messi chasing more World Cup glory, Switzerland cannot depend on their next opponents’ wastefulness as Colombia’s poor finishing helped them through this time.

Messi and Argentina were already in high spirits on Tuesday evening, and the thought of facing Switzerland in Kansas City will only boost their confidence further.

Colombia, despite their flaws, would have been seen as the more dangerous challenge. They have one win and one draw in their two meetings with Argentina since the 2024 Copa America final — in both matches, Colombia enjoyed more possession and more shots but again failed to make it count.

Neutrals would likely have preferred the chaos that a Colombia–Argentina clash promised over the tactical restraint that Switzerland will bring.

Nonetheless, Switzerland’s progress, though not necessarily entertaining, deserves admiration. If their World Cup run is to continue, though, their medical team will need to work wonders with Manzambi.