Western Canadian crime drama.
Then Switzerland won against Colombia and is through to the country’s first World Cup quarter-final in 72 years.
- The feeling when the decisive penalty goes into the goal is indescribable, says national team captain Murat Yakin to SRF.
After 120 scoreless minutes in Vancouver, a penalty shootout had to decide.
After the teams had each taken a penalty, Colombia captain Davinson Sanchez stepped forward.
He paused a bit in the approach, tripped forward and slammed the ball straight into the crossbar.
But even Switzerland had a centre-back who would miss. In the third penalty round, Manuel Akanji shot high, high over. But Akanji and Switzerland were saved by Gregor Kobel who saved the ensuing penalty.
That paved the way for Ruben Vargas to decide.
“Written history – fantastic”
In front of a massive Colombian soundstage in the stands, he kept his composure and slotted the decisive penalty.
– Now we have written history, and it feels absolutely fantastic. It was an incredibly positive energy, and I felt so confident about the punishment. I hit it with full conviction and am just grateful that it went in, says Vargas to SRF.
After the match, Colombia’s star striker Luis Diaz was seemingly inconsolable and in tears.
It was otherwise a match that was hardly bathed in dangerous chances.
The first 90 minutes of the match was a smooth story, but in extra time it started to happen a little more. Colombia had a header on the crossbar in the first half of extra time and Switzerland didn’t lack opportunities either.
But the extension went in the same goalless pattern and it was penalties that had to decide.
First since 1954
The quarter-final against Argentina will be played on the night of Sunday at 03:00, Swedish time.
The last time Switzerland was in the World Cup quarter-finals was in 1954.
Here’s how the four quarter-finals will be played:
Thursday, July 9, at 10 p.m., in Boston.
Friday, July 10, at 9 p.m., in Los Angeles:
Saturday, July 11, at 11 p.m., in Miami:
Sunday, July 12, at 3:00 a.m., in Kansas City:
All times are in Swedish time.
(TT)
